Beijing to activate orange alert for heavy air pollution

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Beijing will activate an orange alert for heavy air pollution starting from Nov. 11, the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau said on Monday.

According to air quality forecasts, unfavorable meteorological conditions will lead to a regional air pollution episode affecting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas in north China.

From Nov. 11 to Nov. 14, Beijing's air quality is expected to reach moderate pollution levels, with some areas and periods reaching severe pollution levels.

In response, the city will activate the orange alert -- the second-highest level in China's four-tier emergency response system. Residents are advised to take appropriate health precautions.