Poor air quality detected anew in Luzon, Visayas

MANILA, Philippines —  After registering a brief improvement, the air quality in some areas in Luzon and the Visayas turned unhealthy again yesterday due to the raging forest fires in Indonesia, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DENR’s air quality index showed that as of noon yesterday, the air quality in Mimaropa was “very unhealthy” while Bicol and the rest of Luzon were at “fair” and “good” levels, respectively.

Several areas in Central Visayas and Negros Island Region reported “unhealthy to sensitive groups” levels while some locations were at “good” to “fair” levels.

Certain areas in Davao Region and Soccsksargen were at “very unhealthy” levels while most of Caraga was at “unhealthy to sensitive groups” levels.

The rest of Mindanao were at “good” to “fair” levels.

The haze that has been occuring in some areas of the country was attributed to smoke from ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan in Indonesia.

Residents in areas that are experiencing haze have been advised to limit outdoor exposure and wear good quality face masks when necessary.

People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions must remain indoors to avoid complications.