Air pollution closes schools in Iran's capital of Tehran
Air pollution in the Iranian capital, Tehran, has reached an alarming level, prompting authorities to shut down all schools.
Secretary of Tehran’s Air Pollution Emergency Committee Nasser Mehrdadi told IRNA on Tuesday that schools in all but three cities of Tehran province will be closed on Wednesday.
The committee also extended restrictions on the movement of cars in Tehran while smoke-belching cars would be fined or towed away.
Choking levels of air pollution had already led to the closure of kindergartens and primary schools over the past three days.
The megacity of Tehran, with an estimated population of 14 million people, is shrouded in a thick grey blanket of smog, causing low visibility.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) on Tuesday showed a "red status" warning indicating that the air is unhealthy.
According to the index, the intensity of the tiny particles known as PM 2.5 is at nearly 150 micrograms per cubic meter.
Emergency services are on full alert and residents, especially those with cardiac and respiratory problems and pregnant women, have been highly advised to remain indoors.
Ambulances were deployed in the busiest and dirtiest areas in Tehran.
Officials said the pollution was expected to plague Tehran until Wednesday when winds are forecast to move the stagnant air.
Heavy congestion and cold weather normally cause brown-white smog in Tehran in autumn and winter days each year.
Many blame the quality of gasoline and substandard cars for the poor air quality in the sprawling city.
OIC condemns Israeli official’s racist remarks on West Bank sovereignty
UN expert slams ‘obscuring’ media coverage of Israeli violence in Amsterdam
UNESCO to consider 'enhanced protection' of heritage sites in Lebanon
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | Yemeni protesters call for military mobilization against Israel
VIDEO | Art festival honors Martyr Tehrani Moqadam’s legacy
Borrell urges sanctions on Israel for war crimes
VIDEO | Top Iranian delegation in Beirut for talks
UN calls on Israel to allow unrestricted access to Gaza to deliver aid
‘Arab Nelson Mandela’ released after 40 years in France
VIDEO | Jordanians condemn Israel’s ban on UNRWA activities in occupied Palestine
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
