Half of Los Angeles is on fire, but has better air quality than smoggy Delhi
Los Angeles is battling devastating wildfires, which have claimed 10 lives and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures. Despite the destruction, the US city's air quality remains better than Delhi's, with an AQI of 158 compared to the Indian capital's 451.
Los Angeles has been battling devastating wildfires for the past three days. Today, half of the city is on fire, but netizens point out that the air is still cleaner than in Delhi and even Mumbai.
The Los Angeles wildfires have killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10,000 structures so far. As the third night passed, as many as five fires were burning with dry desert winds fanning the flames.
The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history. They consumed more than 34,000 acres or 13,750 hectares, turning entire neighbourhoods to ash.
At least 180,000 people were under evacuation orders, and the fires have consumed about 117 square kilometers — roughly the size of San Francisco.
Air quality in LA vs Delhi AQI
Despite the disaster, the AQI in the city was recorded at 158, which is far better than the air quality in Delhi.
The air quality in the Indian capital continued in the 'very poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 451 in Delhi today at 9:30 am. Yesterday, at the same time, it was 349.
Netizens say LA air is better than Mumbai too
Netizens had strong reaction to the post. Some said that the air quality is even better than Mumbai, while others explained the cause noting that ‘It’s because of the wind velocity and direction of it.’
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good,' 51 and 100 'satisfactory,' 101 and 200 'moderate,' 201 and 300 'poor,' 301 and 400 'very poor,' and 401 and 500 'severe.' As the harsh winter continued, many homeless people were seen staying at night shelters.
"(With inputs from agencies)
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First Published:10 Jan 2025, 01:59 PM IST
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