Kathmandu sees rainfall accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Valley is seeing rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. Experts have advised caution as the winds could break tree branches and the lightning could potentially harm people.

Disaster management expert Dr Dharma Raj Upreti said it is necessary to remain cautious as there are windy and thunderstorm conditions currently. “Air pollution had increased due to the wildfires raging across most districts of the country. The rainfall will help reduce air pollution,” he added.

Air pollution levels had increased so much in the Valley over the past two days that Kathmandu was listed as one of the most polluted cities in the world.

According to the Air Quality Index, the overall air quality index (AQI) on Wednesday afternoon was 265. While the AQI was 165 on Monday afternoon, it had reached 200 on Tuesday.

(With inputs from RSS)