Melbourne Residents Warned To Stay Inside Due To The “Worst Air Quality In The World”
Air pollution was at hazardous levels across the city due to thick bushfire smoke.
Melbourne reportedly had the worst air quality in the world today, a title that has also been bestowed on Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra in the last few months.
Air pollution was at hazardous levels across the city due to thick bushfire smoke, and people are being told not to go outside.
Good morning, Melbourne. Do not leave your home without a mask capable of filtering PM2.5 particles, I beg you. Even then, only go outside if you must – these are horrific conditions, some of the worst in the world right now. pic.twitter.com/LVDBDH9ncY
— Transgender Dysphoria Bluegrass (@gingerBFG) January 13, 2020
Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton said he believed Melbourne’s air quality had dropped to “the worst in the world”.
Between midnight and 4am Victoria’s Environmental Protection Authority recorded hazardous levels of air pollution, which has since improved slightly — if you can call it that — to very poor.
Melburnians took to Twitter to share photos of the thick smoke, but also to prove they haven’t lost their sense of humour.
One of my favourite views of Melbourne CBD is from Ruckers Hill in Northcote. Today it's totally gone. pic.twitter.com/t5lyNE8QRw
— Yara Murray-Atfield (@YaraM_A) January 13, 2020
At least the smoke in Melbourne is more cultured and artisanal
— James Dumay (@i386) January 13, 2020
#AirQuality is so bad in #Melbourne that Peter Dutton has warned African Gangs to remain inside.
— Mrs & Mr Wilma Slurrie (@WilmaSlurrie) January 13, 2020
Australian Twitter is now just Melbourne experiencing smoke inhalation.
Sydney: pic.twitter.com/eBFxRRPElM
— Amy Mc™️ (@ItMeAmyMc) January 13, 2020
Between 10pm last night and 7am this morning fire brigades were called out to almost 200 false alarms triggered by the smoke.
Tradies have been told to halt any outdoor construction work.
The hazardous air quality also coincided with the start of the Australian Open qualifiers, with the first round of matches delayed.
Melbourne this morning. I wouldn’t be going out to exercise in this today. Keep safe. #AustralianBushfires #SmokeHaze pic.twitter.com/M2cLxPBvVG
— Phil Maude (@dooglelover) January 13, 2020
Bunnings has sold out of P2 masks across Melbourne and don’t know when they’ll get new stock. I have heard reports that they’re prioritising fire effected areas (1/2) pic.twitter.com/kpU1Jcva89
— Joshua Badge (@joshuabadge) January 13, 2020
#Melbourne air is “very poor” with prediction of “hazardous” wear your P2 or N95 mask – don’t be embarrassed this is your health! #AustralianFires #AirQuality #auspol @cnni @theage pic.twitter.com/oOv5tGYvqf
— Dr Luke Gahan (@Dr_luke_gahan) January 13, 2020
With the bushfires expected to burn for several more weeks — if not months — don’t expect this to be the last time we see our cities blanketed in smoke.
Photo credit Phil Maude / Twitter