STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Normal life in the State's capital city was partially disrupted on Friday due to the haze triggered by dust storms, considerably reducing the visibility levels.
An official at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Borjhar said that long spell of rainless condition has made the atmosphere dry and dusty. He pointed out that the seasonal wind that normally blows during the Assamese calendar month of 'Phagun' was accompanied with dust on Friday due to the dry condition.
"The situation may continue till Saturday. Thunder squall with wind speed (50-60) KMPH is very likely to occur at isolated places over Assam in the next 24 hours. Guwahati will have partly cloudy sky with the possibility of thunder or lightning on Saturday," stated the official.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Guwahati shot up to 264 on Friday. As per the yardsticks of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI of 264 is considered as "Poor" air category. If the present trend of dust storm continues, the AQI of the State's capital city will touch 300 (Very Poor category) by Sunday.
Even healthy people can develop respiratory illness in case the AQI increases beyond 300. The AQI in between 101 to 200 is considered "moderate" followed by "poor" (201-300 AQI), "very poor" (301-400 AQI), and "severe" (401 & above AQI).
"Since the rainless condition will prevail for sometime, the air quality in Guwahati will further deteriorate due to dust and emission produced by vehicles and industries. Polluted air directly impacts lungs. Poor lungs may make the people more vulnerable to Coronavirus infection and the resultant complications such as breathlessness and oxygen saturation," pointed out a doctor at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH).