The Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, has been ranked among the ten most polluted cities in the world, according to specialized air quality monitoring data.

Indicators showed pollution levels at “extremely unhealthy” thresholds, prompting authorities to issue health warnings, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

The deterioration in air quality is attributed to multiple factors, including industrial emissions and the use of polluting fuels for heating during winter, amid calls for urgent environmental measures.