Residents of Lahore are grappling with severe smog as the city’s air quality index (AQI) surged past the 1,000 mark, once again placing it at the top of the global rankings for air pollution on Wednesday.

According to data from Swiss air quality monitoring service IQAir, Lahore’s AQI reached a “hazardous” level of 1,165 early in the morning. The concentration of PM2.5 pollutants—fine particulate matter that poses significant health risks—was recorded at 125.2 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline.

Although the AQI later decreased to 1,099, it remained in the “hazardous” category with fluctuating levels. The city has been experiencing intense smog for several days, with the AQI previously hitting 1,194 earlier in the week.

The deteriorating air quality has led to a rise in health issues across the province. The Punjab Health Department reported over 55,000 cases of eye infections between October 21 and 27, with more than 7,000 cases in Lahore alone. Additionally, over 6,000 individuals have reported problems related to the nose, ears, and throat. Medical experts are advising residents in smog-affected areas to increase their water intake.

By 10:46 a.m., Lahore’s AQI had dropped to 751, with particulate matter levels still 90.3 times higher than WHO guidelines. Meanwhile, New Delhi, the capital of India, ranked second among cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI of 364.

In response to the dangerously high smog levels, the Punjab government has set up a “smog war room.” Officials stated that this unit will review weather and air quality forecasts daily and oversee the actions of field officers. The initiative involves staff from eight different departments, with a dedicated individual responsible for tasks ranging from controlling the burning of agricultural waste to managing traffic.