Haze triggers highest alert level in southern Asean region
SINGAPORE: Ongoing fires in Indonesia that have blanketed parts of Southeast Asia with toxic haze have triggered the highest-level alert by the regional bloc’s climate and fire monitor.
A toxic haze spanning across Southeast Asia prompted the highest alert level by the regional bloc's climate and fire monitor, according to the Singapore Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre. The ASMC, located near Singapore's Changi Airport, operates a four-tiered alert system, with Level 3 signifying a high risk of severe transboundary haze.
The current situation involves significant and persistent hotspot activities, widespread moderate to dense smoke haze, and dry weather persisting with wind blowing haze towards neighboring ASEAN countries. This alert was issued on Friday, but similar alerts had already been issued twice this year – on August 26 and March 27. The prolonged haze has disrupted daily life, closing schools and increasing respiratory complaints in large parts of Southeast Asia.
Singapore announced on Friday it would warn seven Indonesian companies responsible for the fires, but cautioned that the worst may yet come.
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