Over the weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) observed a thick haze over Mindanao and some islands in the Visayas. They reported that the smoke and haze from forest fires in Indonesia may have been carried into these areas by equatorial winds offset by typhoon Lando.
Acting administrator of PAGASA Vicente Malano said that the thick haze “began to manifest late September particularly during occurrence of tropical cyclones in north western Pacific areas.”
Due to the health and safety risks posed by haze—especially to those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases—the Department of Health advises those in Mindanao and Visayas exposed to the haze to do the following:
– Stay indoors with good ventilation.
– Wear appropriate dust masks when going outside the house.
– Refrain from physical activities in heavily polluted areas.
– Exercise extreme caution when on the road to prevent accidents.
– Use headlights/fog lights.
– Follow the required minimum speed level and extreme caution in low visibility driving.
– Ensure that vehicle is in good running condition.
– Stay away from low-lying areas where smoke and suspended particles may settle.
– Tune in to the radio or television for more health advisories.
– If you are having trouble breathing, coughing, experiencing chest pains, tearing up, and/or if you have a nose or throat irritation, please consult consult your doctor.
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