Dense Fog Causes Red Alert in Delhi and Northern States; Flight and Rail Services Disrupted, School Holidays Declared

A red alert has been declared in Delhi and three Northern Indian states due to dense fog, affecting flight and rail services. New Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and other regions are on high alert, with approximately 100 flights arriving in the national capital expected to face delays. The dense fog has disrupted train services, causing delays in around 22 trains.

While the capital experienced improved air quality with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 356, the Meteorological Department predicts worsening air quality in the next two days. The northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, are expected to witness heavy fog, impacting visibility and transportation.

Despite the reduction in fog in the capital, meteorologists anticipate the return of heavy fog in Haryana, Punjab, and neighboring states over the next five days. The Road Transport Corporation in Uttar Pradesh has issued guidelines to manage traffic disruptions during dense fog.

In response to the challenging weather conditions, schools in Noida, Greater Noida, and Gautam Budh Nagar will remain closed for the next two days. The district administration has declared holidays on December 29 and 30, with teachers and staff continuing their work.

Tragically, the dense fog has already resulted in two separate road accidents in Uttar Pradesh, claiming six lives and leaving 12 others injured. Authorities continue to monitor and manage the situation as dense fog affects daily life and poses challenges to transportation.