Vietnam's capital was shrouded in thick haze on October 26, with its air quality index reaching 172 and placing Hanoi third among the world's most polluted major cities, according to IQAir data.
On the morning of October 26, a blanket of murky haze covered central Hanoi, with light rain reported in some areas.
At around 7:30 a.m., visibility along To Huu Street was noticeably reduced as a thick, whitish haze obscured distant buildings and high-rise structures.
According to air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Hanoi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 172 at 8:30 a.m., placing the Vietnamese capital third in its live ranking of the world's most polluted major cities.
A thick layer of haze reduces visibility in Hanoi on the morning of October 26. Photo: Kieu Oanh
Meanwhile, data from the Northern Environmental Monitoring Center, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's Vietnam Environment Agency, showed that the Thanh Xuan monitoring station recorded an AQI of 146 at 7 a.m., the highest reading among the stations cited and classified as poor air quality under Vietnam's monitoring system.
On days when air quality deteriorates, experts advise residents to avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed to reduce exposure to polluted air and use indoor air purifiers.
People going outdoors are also encouraged to wear protective masks to limit their exposure to airborne dust and pollutants.
Air pollution and solid waste management remain major challenges
The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment said it has worked with the Vietnam Environment Agency to advance several initiatives, including policy development, technical guidelines, data sharing and the application of technology for environmental monitoring and early warnings.
The department is currently using air quality forecasts from the Northern Environmental Monitoring Center to support weekly pollution alerts and response measures.
Hanoi's skyline is obscured by a blanket of murky haze. Photo: Kieu Oanh
Hanoi operates four automatic, continuous air quality monitoring stations and plans to add another, while continuing to support the installation of air quality sensors.
The department and the agency are also working together to finalize policies on technical waste standards under the Capital Law, alongside investments in air pollution monitoring and forecasting across provincial and regional boundaries.
As a major urban center with a large population, Hanoi faces mounting environmental pressures. City authorities have identified pollution as one of the key bottlenecks requiring urgent attention.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, air pollution and solid waste management remain two of Hanoi's most significant environmental challenges.
The ministry said it would continue working with the municipal government to address these issues.
It has also submitted to the Government a draft decision establishing coordination mechanisms and air quality management measures across eight northern provinces and cities, aimed at improving the response to pollution that extends beyond administrative boundaries.
Vietnamnet.vn
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