Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has triggered air quality alerts in a number of US states, with the sky over New York City rapidly darkening and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul calling the development “an emergency crisis”. The air quality index in New York City reached “hazardous” levels on Wednesday afternoon, reports Xinhua news agency. By 3 p.m., it was above 300, according to US government online platform AirNow, an air quality data site, which warned that at that level, “everyone should stay indoors and reduce activity levels”. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has extended its citywide air quality health advisory, and those who have underlying health conditions are advised to avoid outdoor activity as much as possible. The state’s Long Island and Hudson Valley are under the air quality advisory as well. A number of cities and municipalities around the area also issued individual air quality alerts, urging residents to take precautions while cancelling some outdoor events. In New York City and several large cities across the state, public schools have cancelled outdoor activities. Due to the air quality, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has paused and delayed flights at certain area airports to mitigate the reduced visibility the region is experiencing.“The FAA has taken steps to manage the flow of traffic into the New York City area due to reduced visibility from wildfire smoke,” the agency said in a statement. (IANS)
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