Colombia: State of emergency in Medellín due to air pollution /update 4

Event

Local authorities declared a state of emergency in Medellín - Colombia’s second largest city - and the surrounding Aburrá Valley on Tuesday, March 6, due to persistently high levels of air pollution. The state of emergency will remain in effect until at least Friday. As of early Wednesday, Air Quality Index (AQI) readings remained at “unhealthy” levels (150-199) throughout the city; in recent days AQIs have periodically passed into the “very unhealthy” range (200-249), with levels tending to be particularly bad during the morning hours.

Driving restrictions, in place on a permanent basis in the city and reinforced since February 23, have been further tightened, beginning on Wednesday. These driving restrictions have been extended to include more cars (based on license plate numbers) and will remain in place for longer periods per day.

This air pollution constitutes a significant health hazard, notably for vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, pregnant women, and people suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues. Air pollution can also be harmful to heart health and could contribute to factors that provoke heart attack or stroke. The local authorities are advising all residents to limit outdoor activities and to consider working from home when possible.

Advice

Individuals present in Medellín are advised to limit outdoor activities, notably strenuous activity, until pollution rates fall, expect increased crowding on public transit, and adhere to all local regulations.