Haze reduces visibility to 2km in Malé region
It added that the haze recorded Thursday was the most severe observed over the past seven days.
Haze increased across the Malé region on Thursday, reducing visibility to about two kilometres, according to the Maldives Meteorological Service.
The agency said air quality levels across the Maldives had reached ranges classified as hazardous on Thursday. It added that the haze recorded was the most severe observed over the past seven days.
In an advisory, the meteorological service said northeast winds are expected to continue affecting the country over the next two days. Members of the public were advised to take precautions during outdoor activities, while seafarers were urged to remain alert to changing conditions.
Data from the air quality monitoring system at the Center for Maritime Studies in Vilimalé showed an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 158 on Thursday.
According to air quality guidelines, AQI readings between 151 and 200 are classified as hazardous, indicating an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions for the general population.
Information published on the IQA monitoring website showed that particulate matter levels of PM2.5 were recorded at 66 micrograms per cubic metre during the same period.
