At 8h on 11/12, the monitoring station at the gate of Dai hoc Bach khoa Ha Noi on Giai Phong street, operated by Cuc Moi truong (Bo Nong nghiep va Moi truong), recorded an AQI of 227, a very unhealthy level.
The AQI measures air quality, reflecting pollution levels; higher readings indicate greater health impacts. This marks the third consecutive day this station has registered a very unhealthy level, making it the most severe pollution episode in Hanoi since the start of winter. Authorities attribute the pollution primarily to PM2.5 fine dust.
The two other Cuc Moi truong stations, located at 556 Nguyen Van Cu and Khuong Duy Tien park, recorded AQI levels of 189 and 151, respectively. Hanoi's environmental monitoring portal displays three stations that align with these three central stations.
 |
Air pollution in Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Giang |
According to the air quality data aggregation platform IQAir, which collects and ranks AQI based on a global network of monitoring stations, at 8h30, IQAir ranked Hanoi among the top polluted cities worldwide with an index of 243, while Lahore, Pakistan, recorded 278. On the system's map, 9 stations in Hanoi showed very unhealthy levels, with Tay Ho station reaching 295, nearing hazardous levels (above 300); Long Bien, Tran Vu, and Hoang Quoc Viet stations ranged from 240-260.
Several neighboring provinces also reported very unhealthy levels. At 7h, a station in Nhu Quynh commune, Hung Yen, reached 202; yesterday, a station in Thai Binh ward, Hung Yen, maintained very unhealthy levels for 4 consecutive hours, peaking at 221. In Tich Luong ward, Thai Nguyen, the highest AQI yesterday from 20-23h was 239. Bac Ninh, Phu Tho, and Ninh Binh also had monitoring points showing unhealthy levels.
Cuc Moi truong forecasts today to be the most severe pollution day of this episode, with many areas like Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Lang Son, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Thanh Hoa experiencing very unhealthy levels. Tomorrow, the affected area is expected to narrow to Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh.
The forecasting system of Dai hoc Cong nghe (Dai hoc Quoc gia Ha Noi) assessed today as the peak pollution day for the 8-14/12 period, after which strengthening cold air is expected to help reduce pollution.
 |
Pollution levels in the Northern region this morning. Photo: Dai hoc Cong nghe, Dai hoc Quoc gia Ha Noi |
On 27/11, Bo Nong nghiep va Moi truong requested ministries and sectors to implement urgent measures in Hanoi and neighboring areas. Bo Cong Thuong was asked to instruct thermal power plants, steel, chemical, and fertilizer factories to operate exhaust gas treatment systems, avoid discharging untreated waste, and reduce capacity when AQI exceeds 200.
Bo Xay dung required construction sites to implement shielding, wash vehicles, spray mist to suppress dust, and potentially suspend activities causing significant dust. Local authorities were urged to reroute traffic and control material transport vehicles to reduce congestion that exacerbates pollution. Bo Cong an increased enforcement against uncovered material transport vehicles, outdated vehicles emitting black smoke, and illegal waste burning.
Bo Y te provided guidance for public health protection, especially for vulnerable groups. Bo Giao duc va Dao tao instructed educational institutions to limit outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy.
Gia Chinh
