Haze triggers highest alert level in southern ASEAN zone: monitor

Southeast Asia is grappling with a severe haze crisis, prompted by ongoing fires in Indonesia. This environmental disaster has led the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) to issue the highest alert level, Level 3, for the Southern ASEAN region, according to Singapore's ASMC. The ASMC employs a four-tiered alert system, with Level 3 signifying a high risk of severe transboundary haze.

The situation escalated after identifying significant and persistent hot spot activities, accompanied by widespread moderate to dense smoke haze, over two consecutive days. Dry weather conditions and wind patterns also contributed to the haze drifting towards neighboring ASEAN nations. The ASMC issued this alert on Friday, but it's not the first time; similar alerts were already issued on August 26 and March 27 this year.

The prolonged haze spell has severely impacted the lives of millions in Southeast Asia, disrupting daily routines, closing schools, and causing a surge in respiratory ailments. In response, Singapore announced measures to tackle the crisis, but the situation remains dire. The haze crisis persists, and the situation continues to worsen, threatening the health and well-being of millions in the region.