Haze not linked to climate change: MET
HPA has highlighted the need to be careful during air pollution, saying haze can lead to some health issues.
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By
Shahudha Mohamed
Meteorological service (MET) has said that the decrease in air quality and visibility in central and northern islands, including the capital Male, is not likely caused by climate change.
The increase in haze has significantly reduced visibility. This makes it difficult for people to travel, and you have to be extra careful while travelling.
The public is worried that the problem of air pollution is worsening year after year.
The Met office, however, said it could not point out that the haze problem had worsened this year.
Director of Meteorology at the Met Office, Ahmed Rasheed, told Atoll Times on Tuesday that due to the air pollution in the Himalayan mountains, the visibility in some parts of the country decreases every year during the easterly monsoon, especially with the north-easterly winds.
He pointed out:
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Even if more than 10 km distance is visible on a clear day, the visible distance at the moment is only 4 km; that is, the decrease in visibility during the same period last year
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The sharpest decrease in visibility is observed in central and northern atolls; in some cases, the southern atolls may also experience a decrease in visibility
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Haze increases and visibility decreases between air and rainfall; this is the time when it is most noticeable
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Apart from the Maldives, neighbouring India and Sri Lanka have also seen a decline in visibility lately
"The visibility has not dropped to the level it can impact travel," Rasheed said.
He, however, cautioned the passengers to be cautious as the seas were getting rough with the strong winds of the Iruvai monsoon.
Rasheed said the haze will clear up and the visibility will improve only if there is rainfall in the region or the country.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) has highlighted the need to be careful during air pollution, saying haze can lead to some health issues. Thus:
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People with lung disease, heart disease, allergy issues should not spend too much time outdoors
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Wear a face mask when stepping out
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Children, the elderly and expecting mothers should not spend too much time outdoors
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Not taking babies out
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Keeping doors and windows of houses closed
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Reduce or halt outdoor activities such as sports and exercising
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HPA also asked to pay special attention to cleanliness while storing and consuming rain water
