Hongkongers were forced to breathe China’s airpocalypse smog over the weekend when monsoon winds from the northeast pushed the poisonous air from the mainland down to the city.
According to South China Morning Post, Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department reported that 11 of 16 stations in different districts recorded Air Quality Health Index readings by Sunday afternoon.
The districts of Tung Chung and Tuen Mun posted a score of 10, the highest mark in the “very high” health risk category.
In Tung Chung, PM2.5 levels reached 141.3 micrograms per cubic meter — nearly six times the maximum acceptable level suggested by the World Health Organization. It’s also nearly twice Hong Kong’s limit of 75.
Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan posted 9, while Causeway Bay roadside, Central roadside, Sha Tin and Central and Western posted 8. These are still categorized as “very high.”
Stations in Kwai Chung, Tai Po, Grass Island and Mong Kok posted 7, which indicates a “high” health risk.
As expected, residents were not happy. According to Shanghaiist, one Chinese netizen joked, “Finally, Hong Kong can truly feel part of China.”
However, some are not convinced that the smog shrouding the city actually came from the mainland. In this regard, Hong Kong might be suffering its very own airpocalypse.
Jimmy Fung Chi-hung, professor of Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology, previously told SCMP:
“According to our database, there is no sign of connection between the very high PM2.5 concentration in northern China and that in Hong Kong.”
Unfortunately, the smog is expected to cover the city for few more days.
