A powerful dust storm struck the city of Termez in Uzbekistan today, starting at 13:00 local time, leading to a sharp deterioration in air quality. The concentration of harmful particles in the atmosphere significantly exceeded permissible limits, posing a serious health risk to the local population.

According to expert data, the PM2.5 level reached 1200 µg/m³, which is 20 times higher than the national standard, while the PM10 indicator stood at 5614 µg/m³, exceeding the norm by 18.7 times. Such elevated levels can trigger respiratory illnesses and other health issues, particularly among children and the elderly.

In response to the situation, residents of Termez have been advised to keep windows and doors closed, minimize time spent outdoors, and use protective masks when venturing outside. These measures aim to reduce exposure to the hazardous particles.

It is worth noting that the government of Uzbekistan, as part of the nationwide “Clean Air” project, is implementing a series of restrictions for the public sector. The transport system reform will begin with officials setting a personal example – from May 1, 2026, “car-free days” will be officially established in the capital, purportedly to curb air pollution. However, the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on regions like Termez remains uncertain, highlighting ongoing challenges in environmental management.

Source: podrobno.uz