Smoke, fog affect Maldives; Northern region hit hardest

Maldives is currently grappling with a noticeable environmental issue: a combination of smoke and fog, particularly affecting the northern parts of the country.

Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) office has reported that visibility in many areas has dropped significantly, currently standing at just three kilometers, due to the thick haze. This phenomenon has been most pronounced in the past two days, with the situation expected to worsen in the coming days.

According to MET, the northern provinces are facing the worst of the air pollution, with a marked decline in air quality. The smoke, which is largely responsible for the foggy conditions, is believed to be carried over from neighboring India, exacerbated by the north-east monsoon winds. The smog, produced by the burning of agricultural fields in India, is traveling towards the Maldives, causing the haze to blanket the skies.

A photo shared by a local from Hdh. Keylakunu, a northern atoll about seven kilometers from Hdh. Kulhudhufushi, starkly illustrates the impact. Taken two months ago, the picture captured a clear view of the area, but today, the same scene appears heavily blurred, showcasing the extent of the pollution.

Experts note that this kind of environmental disturbance is not unusual during the December-January period. The smoke from agricultural burning in India, coupled with the prevailing monsoon winds, has led to recurring episodes of reduced visibility and air quality in the Maldives. This seasonal pattern has now become an expected, though unfortunate, occurrence.

The MET office has also warned that the smoky conditions could spread to the central provinces in the coming days. While the situation remains manageable for now, it is crucial for residents and visitors in affected areas to be mindful of the reduced visibility and potential health impacts, especially those with respiratory conditions.