There is lots of smog in Nepal, because of hundreds of wildfires across the country. Nepal has a dry season yearly, which starts in late fall and ends in early summer. The fires in Nepal usually happen in March and April, but this year, there are more fires than the last five years. Ever since November of 2020, there have been 2,087 wildfires, and 524 of them are currently burning. All of these wildfires are giving off a lot of pollution, like dust, smoke, and ash. In the capital, Kathmandu, there are layers of thick smog, which is also making it hard to see. Smog is made of many different things, like smoke and dust.
Because of all of this smog, the country’s air quality “score” is 225, or in the very unhealthy range. The higher the score is, the worse the air quality will be. Nepal’s ministry of Education, Science, and Technology have decided to close schools until Friday, because of the smog. People were advised that they should wear a mask when going outside, and to stay inside. There is a 40% chance of rain on Wednesday and Thursday which might help fight these wildfires.
Source:
https://publications.gc.ca/
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/
