AN aerial view shows thick smoke and haze blanketing the Kapuas River in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. Indonesia has been battling wildfires and choking smog for weeks, with the haze drifting across borders into Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Photo courtesy of Bay Ismoyo/Agence France-Presse
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Air quality across MIMAROPA has again reached the “very unhealthy” category as smoke from forest fires in Indonesia continues to affect parts of the region.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) monitoring placed MIMAROPA under the very unhealthy classification as of noon Wednesday, marking another deterioration in air quality after a brief improvement.
The recurring haze has been linked to smoke and fine particles from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Prevailing winds have carried the pollutants toward several parts of the Philippines, including MIMAROPA.
Palawan has been among the areas affected, with earlier monitoring in Puerto Princesa City recording elevated levels of PM2.5, fine particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
Environmental and disaster officials urged residents to limit prolonged outdoor exposure when haze is noticeable, particularly children, senior citizens and people with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Those who need to go outdoors were advised to wear well-fitting protective masks as authorities continue to monitor air quality and wind conditions.
The duration and severity of the haze will depend largely on wind patterns and developments in the fires generating the smoke.
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