Fog blankets Vietnam capital of Hanoi

Hanoi was covered by a thick blanket of fog Friday due to high humidity, reducing visibility and affecting dozens of aircraft flying in and out of the city.

The dense fog also caused a spike in air pollution, with the air quality index (AQI) in the Vietnamese capital climbing well above 200 to reach “very unhealthy” levels, according to Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. The dense fog appeared in Vietnam’s capital early morning, with the humidity level reaching more than 90%, according to national forecasters.

Visibility fell to less than 10 meters, causing hazardous driving conditions on the city’s motorbike-clogged roads. Meteorological experts said that fog is typical in Hanoi and Northern provinces in winter. It can cause the accumulation of dust and toxic substances, increasing air pollution, they said. Thick fog is expected to last until February 4.