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Eerie footage of Wuhan engulfed in a thick fog has fuelled concerns the death toll inside coronavirus-hit China is “higher” than what’s been officially reported.

Clips appear to show the city in a mysterious haze which residents say has “come out of nowhere”.

The videos have led to concerns that the smog is the result of smoke from crematoriums burning coronavirus-infected bodies "24 hours a day".

It comes a day after the National Health Commission in China ordered all coronavirus fatalities to be cremated, with burials and funerals banned, to prevent to spread of disease.

Chinese nationals voiced their concerns on social media, suggesting the death toll could be "unthinkably higher" than reports if incinerators are running all day.

(Image: @CallingAstro424 / Twitter)

Wuhan, like many Chinese cities, has a high pollution rate and there is no hard evidence to confirm that the smog is anything to do with bodies being burned.

However, that hasn't stopped people speculating about the increased pollution, with one Twitter user writing: "Incinerators are running 24 hours a day.

"It takes 1-3 to incinerate a body, that's burning 112-336 bodies A DAY!

"Death toll is definitely unthinkably higher than what's been given."

Another woman wrote on social media: "Everyone knows the seriousness, but at this time, I can only express it here!

“The crematoriums of major funeral homes in Wuhan currently working 24 hours!

“Before, it was only half a day to open the stove! Even in special circumstances, it is only a full day shift!”

(Image: @CallingAstro424 / Twitter)

Communist Party officials have issued strict instructions about the handling of the dead as the death toll continues to rise.

The party has banned funerals and burials to speed up the disposal of bodies and stop the spread of the virus further.

Fears come after Communist Party officials released strict instructions to burn coronavirus-infected bodies "immediately".

Residents have also expressed concern over the air pollution in city which hasn't dropped below Wuhan's annual average since last week.

According to the World Air Map Wuhan’s pollution level is at “dangerous” with highs of 121 AQI, despite the fact the city has been in lockdown for over a week.

Chinese officials have confirmed at least 426 deaths inside the country with the first death outside mainland China reported in the Philippines.

(Image: @CallingAstro424 / Twitter)

But speculation about the accuracy of the official toll surfaced after Wuhan resident Fang Bin was arrested for filming inside the city's hospital.

Bin's footage showed piles of bodies inside Wuhan's Third Hospital with medics throwing body bags into the back of a bus.

In the clip, Bin counts over 8 body bags inside the truck with more thought to be inside.

Doctors in hazmat suits can be seen trying to save victims throughout the video.

Bin was arrested but later released by police who confiscated his computer and confessed he was "afraid" to get arrested again.