New Delhi: Severe cold and dense fog have badly disrupted daily life across north India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. On Wednesday, dense fog led to the cancellation of at least 148 flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, while more than 150 flights were delayed, prompting airport authorities to issue an ‘orange alert’.
Road and rail services were also hit as visibility dropped to as low as 50 metres in several areas. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 384, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.
Amid the worsening cold conditions, schools in Guwahati, Assam, have been closed until January 6. The India Meteorological Department said that cold conditions are likely to intensify further in the coming days, with light rain expected in some areas. Authorities have urged people to remain cautious.
In Punjab, the education department has announced holidays until December 31. However, with temperatures continuing to fall and cold winds prevailing, parents may be forced to reconsider sending children to schools. In previous years, the state government has extended winter vacations during severe cold spells, but no such announcement has been made so far.
