Haze triggers highest-level alert in parts of Southeast Asia
SINGAPORE - Fires in Indonesia that have sent toxic smoke disrupting daily life across Southeast Asia has triggered the highest-level alert by the regional bloc’s meteorological monitor.
Indonesia's ongoing fires have triggered the highest-level regional haze alert, as the toxic pollution spreads across Southeast Asia, according to the Singapore Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC). The ASMC has activated Alert Level 3 for the Southern Asean region, which indicates a high risk of severe transboundary haze in the area.
This level is triggered when there are significant and persistent hotspot activities, widespread moderate to dense smoke haze, dry weather, and wind continuing to blow the haze towards neighboring Asean countries. The ASMC issued this alert on Saturday, but similar alerts have already been issued twice this year, on August 26 and March 27.
The months-long haze spell has disrupted life in large parts of Southeast Asia, leading to school closures and a spike in respiratory complaints. Singapore has warned seven Indonesian companies identified as responsible for the fires, but cautions that the situation may worsen.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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