Met Office warns haze to persist over Maldives for 5 days
The Met Office said air quality levels reached a hazardous range on Monday and that the impact of haze has increased amid dry and sunny weather conditions.
Haze is expected to continue to affect the Maldives for the next five days due to prevailing north-westerly winds, the Maldives Meteorological Service said on Tuesday.
The Met Office said air quality levels reached a hazardous range on Monday and that the impact of haze has increased amid dry and sunny weather conditions.
Visibility in some areas dropped to about two kilometres on Monday. The Met Office advised seafarers and the public engaged in outdoor activities to remain cautious while the haze persists.
Data from the air quality monitoring system at the Centre for Maritime Studies in Villimalé showed an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 126. An AQI at this level can increase the risk of respiratory issues, particularly for sensitive individuals.
Authorities advised the public to take basic precautions while air quality remains affected. These include wearing protective masks when vulnerable individuals need to go outdoors, keeping doors and windows closed to limit the entry of polluted air, and using air purifiers where available.
People who are vulnerable to air pollution have also been advised to reduce outdoor physical activities, including sports and exercise, until air quality improves.
