Harmful haze from Indonesia fires to affect western PH – Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — The haze possibly linked to ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia may be swept over the western portions of the country due to strong winds brought by the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” the state weather bureau said.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration weather specialist Benison Estareja said during the 5 p.m. weather advisory that, based on its satellite image, the haze may affect the western section of Visayas and Mindanao, as well as Mimaropa.

He explained that the air particles came from Kalimantan in Indonesia and are being pulled by the southwest monsoon.

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READ: Metro Manila areas still at ‘acutely’ unhealthy air quality level

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“Itong mga papupusaw na kulay galing po dito sa may Kalimantan sa may central part ng Sabah dito sa may Indonesia ay inaasahan pong kikilos dahil unti-unting tinutulak nga nitong southwest monsoon or habagat patungo dito sa western side ng ating bansa,” he explained.

(“These fading colored areas—originating from the Kalimantan region in the central part of Sabah, Indonesia—are expected to move, as they are gradually being pushed by the southwest monsoon toward the western side of our country.”)

Estareja advised the public to constantly monitor the air quality index (AIQ) of their respective areas in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) issued advisories.

The DENR-NCR reported early Tuesday that several areas in Metro Manila recorded high PM2.5, which refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, wherein AIQ reached up to “acutely unhealthy levels”. /cb