INDONESIA FOREST FIRES TRIGGER "ACUTELY UNHEALTHY" TRANSBOUNDARY HAZE ACROSS PHILIPPINES

Ongoing forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, have generated a massive transboundary haze that continues to blanket parts of the Philippines. Driven by the strong southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," the toxic smoke has severely degraded air quality across multiple regions.

According to satellite data and environmental monitoring systems from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), pollution levels have fluctuated dynamically. While some areas are reporting moderate air quality, multiple stations—particularly across Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and parts of Mindanao—have recorded fine particulate matter (PM2.5) plunging into "very unhealthy" and "acutely unhealthy" levels.

The severe drop in air quality has prompted local government units to issue urgent public health warnings, distribute safety advisories to wear N95 masks, and suspend in-person classes in favor of remote learning.

Courtesy: Ventusky