The Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Negros Island Region on Wednesday, Sept. 2, said that it is continuing to monitor air quality levels after elevated particulate levels caused by transboundary haze were detected, and reminded people with respiratory diseases to limit outdoor activities.
The EMB NIR advisory released at 5 p.m. Wednesday said the atmospheric haze is potentially linked to smoke generated by ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Prevailing wind directions have carried the air pollution toward the Philippines, including toe Negros Island.
The La Castellana Station detected very unhealthy air quality while in La Carlota it was tagged as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The Canlaon City monitoring station classified the air quality as fair.
Environmental and health authorities advised residents to take precautionary steps based on local air conditions.
Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Negros Occidental, said the grayish, yellowish haze is being caused by the burning of palm oil plantations in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the LTO NIR has issued a road safety alert especially when driving in areas affected by haze.
Among the areas affected by the haze besides La Castellana and Bacolod are Kabankalan City, Bago City, La Carlota City and other areas in central and southern Negros Occidental.*
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