Air quality drops nationwide with haze expected to persist over next five days

The air quality across the Maldives has deteriorated, with the national weather agency forecasting the haze conditions to persists over the next five days.

While haze is common with the onset of the Iruvai Monsoon, it usually lasts only a couple of weeks. But this time around, the Maldives has been battling haze with only brief respites since December, endangering public health.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Maldives Meteorological Service warned that the air quality across the Maldives has deteriorated, with particularly poor conditions observed in the northern and central regions.

“These conditions are expected to persist over the next five days,” warned the weather agency.

The Meteorological Service advised seafarers and those spending extended time outdoors to take necessary precautions and follow guidelines provided by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Readings on Wednesday showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) level in the northern city of Kulhudhuffushi at 147 and the central island of Vilimale’ at 107, putting it in the “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.

The AQI level in other parts of the Maldives, including Male’ City, is in the “Moderate” category, meaning air quality is acceptable, but there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

The poor air quality has prompted the HPA to urge members of the public, especially sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions or allergies, to take precautions.

The health recommendations issued by the HPA includes stopping or reducing outdoor exercise, using a N95 mask or a similar mask when outdoors, closing windows to avoid dirty outdoor air, and running an air purifier.

Unlike mist or fog, haze is caused by fine particles in the air, which pollute the air and reduce visibility.

The Maldives usually faces haze during December and January, when the Hulhangu Monsoon transitions into Iruvai Monsoon.

Environmental analysts have warned the issue has become more severe in recent years, mainly due to hazardous gases expelled from factories in neighboring countries.