Despite several awareness campaigns on precautions to be taken during Diwali festivities, many children and adults were injured while bursting fire crackers in the twin cities. In the city alone, around 100 children were rushed to various hospitals with burns during the weekend with several reporting eye injuries. At least nine persons, including four children were scheduled to undergo surgeries. Experts said that guidelines issued to exercise caution while bursting crackers fell on deaf ears as most of the injuries occurred due to negligence. Contrary to the common perception of toned down Diwali celebrations, noise levels this year were found to be much higher compared to last year. According to the data released by the AP Pollution Control Board, Kukatpally recorded an average noise level of 80 decibels which peaked at 112 decibels late in the evening on November 3, a substantial increase from an average of 67 decibels last year. The permissible noise level for a residential area like Kukatpally is 45 decibels. While Paradise also recorded a slight increase in noise levels compared to last year, Uppal witnessed a more explosive Diwali this year recording high noise levels. The city was shrouded in smoke on Diwali night even as it witnessed high-decibel fireworks throughout Sunday. Apart from the high decibel noise, the city also recorded an increase in the number of accidents reported this year compared to last year. About 12 fire accident cases were reported due to misfiring of crackers in the city. About 45 persons went to the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) with various injuries, while Sarojini Devi Government Eye Hospital received 32 patients in the last two days. "Nine patients had corneal tear. While six already underwent surgeries, three persons are yet to undergo surgeries. The condition of two is critical and prognosis is guarded," said a spokesperson of LVPEI. Hospital superintendent of Sarojini Eye Hospital Dr P V Nanda said two patients have been kept under observation in the last two days. Almost every other hospital in the city seems to have treated cases of burn in the last two days mostly on an out-patient basis. While Apollo received 25 patients, Yashoda got 18 cases out of which one patient who sustained serious hand burns had to be admitted to the hospital. Rainbow Hospital admitted three children including a boy who sustained 15-20% burns. Gandhi Hospital on Sunday treated eight burn cases, majority of whom were children. "No one was critically injured. Lot of cases were reported on Monday as well," said Dr Subodh, plastic surgeon, Gandhi Hospital. The '108' ambulance service catered to 145 emergencies on Sunday as against an average of 110 emergencies. Officials said apart from the usual road traffic accidents, emergencies related to respiratory problems and burns had added to the daily caseload.