China celebrated its new year with an issuing health warnings and travel cancellations against the smog that blanketed more than 40 cities of the country. As of writing, the USA State Air index has indicated that the smog reached 411 in air quality citing it hazardous to the public.
Travel is almost impossible as Beijing has canceled more than 100 flights including public transportation. The weather forecasted that the thick smog could last three to five days more. According by a report by The Guardian, Tianjin canceled about 300 flights in its port. Low visibility made the streets more dangerous for driving and walking.
The Zhengding International Airport in Shijiazhuang announced the cancellation of 88 flights and 40 delayed air trips on Sunday afternoon due to the thick fog. The current inclement weather also made it worse for tourists to travel. Light snow can be felt in some regions of the country further delaying transportation and flights.
Around 24 cities in Shijiazhuang and Baoding in Hebei China issued red alerts before the New Year rung while some 21 cities like Beijing has started announcing an orange alert only on the first day of the year.
China's official website reported that the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau had foreclosed some roads that reach 50 meters on the expressways of the city by 9:30 AM on Sunday. The thick fog has trapped hundreds of people on the roads trying to close their car windows for the smoke not to seep in.
Travelers took to social media to express their concerns with some calling the unfortunate event as 'Airpocalypse.' What's supposed to be a happy day in the country turns perilous for people with low resistance.
With a 411 air quality index, USA State Air signaled the threat of smog to be a 'serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.' Respiratory issues could occur to the general public. All are advised to stay indoors with windows shut.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
