HPA issues orange alert as air quality declines in Malé
The alert warns that sensitive groups may experience health effects, while others may also be affected.
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The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an orange alert and urged caution as haze and smoke have led to a decline in air quality in the Malé area.
Air quality monitoring platform IQAir shows that air quality in the city has deteriorated to an orange level, indicating a risk to people with health conditions. The alert warns that sensitive groups may experience health effects, while others may also be affected.
The HPA and the Maldives Meteorological Service issued public advisories on Wednesday, calling on residents to take precautions.
According to the HPA, an orange alert increases the likelihood of respiratory issues among vulnerable groups as well as the general public. The agency has advised the following measures:
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Wearing a protective mask when individuals with health conditions need to go outdoors
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Keeping doors and windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes
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Using air purifiers where possible
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Avoiding outdoor sports and physical exercise
The HPA said vulnerable groups include infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory conditions, heart disease or allergies.
The Maldives Meteorological Service said air quality levels have declined in the northern and central regions of the country and advised residents to take appropriate precautions.
According to IQAir data, particulate matter levels in the Malé area reached 42 micrograms per cubic metre, which is around five times higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit.
In a separate advisory, the Meteorological Service said haze is expected to continue affecting the northern and central parts of the Maldives into next week.
