Heavy Smog Claims 17 Lives In Punjab

ISLAMABAD, Nov 4 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 04th Nov, 2016 ) : At least 17 people have died in different smog-related incidents in Punjab, while the polluted haze has also resulted in outbreak of diseases in several cities of province.

At least two people were killed and five others injured on Friday when two truck collided near Harrappa, Sahiwal, a private news channel reported. The prevailing smog in Punjab has been causing enough difficulties to the citizen, as they complain of breathing issue, throat infection and pneumonia.

An increase in number of patients is being observed at hospitals, with particularly young and elderly people in majority among them. During last 12 hours, as many as 1,200 patients visited hospitals due to smog-related emergencies.

In Jinnah Hospital, 130 children and 30 senior citizens were brought to hospital's emergency.

Motorway authorities have advised the masses to travel at low speed and use fog lamps to avoid accidents.

They have advised people to travel and groups and maintain distance between cars. Health experts have advised the people to avoid going out unnecessarily and recommended wearing masks and glasses while in open.

It is further recommended that the patients suffering heart diseases should take steam regularly and avoid cold beverages. Meanwhile, Director General Pakistan Meteorological Department Dr. Ghulam Rasool informed that a weak rain system would be entering Pakistan, resulting in light rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa and upper Punjab during next 24 hours, which would give a temporary relief to the citizens from the prevailing situation.