Heavy Smog Disrupts Traffic in North China

Beijing, 19/12/2016 (MAP) – Severe smog that has hit the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin has grounded flights and closed highways, local transportation authorities said.

The city’s weather bureau issued an orange alert for air pollution Sunday morning as a new bout of smog began. The bureau said the density of pollutants will reach its peak on Sunday and Monday.

On Sunday, more than 30 flights had been delayed or canceled at Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Almost all highways in and out of the city have been closed due to very low visibility.

Over 20 cities, including Beijing, in north China have activated alerts and corresponding measures to address the smog that has hit the region since Friday night. Meteorological authorities said the smog will not disperse until Wednesday.