Authorities have warned that air quality in the Maldives has deteriorated to levels that could cause health issues. The warning comes amid reduced horizontal visibility caused by haze and air pollution.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) said the atmosphere in the Maldives has become polluted due to smoke drifting from the Indian subcontinent, a phenomenon typically observed at the beginning of the northeast monsoon which extends from January to March.
MET Office said the horizontal visibility will extend up to 10 kilometres on a clear day. However, in the northern regions, the air quality has worsened, reducing visibility to three kilometers due to haze. The conditions are expected to spread to the central atolls, including the Male’ area, on Tuesday. However, based wind speed and direction, it is unlikely that the air quality will deteriorate in the southern region.
While air quality is expected to return back to normal condition by March, the haze is anticipated to gradually improve over the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged to practice caution due to potential health issues that may be caused due to poor air quality. The authority urged those with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions and different allergies to minimise outdoor activities, and to use masks when stepping outside. It is also encouraged for children, pregnant women and the elderly to stay indoors as much as possible during the hazy period.
Similar conditions were observed at the beginning of the northwest monsoon last year, with horizontal visibility dropping to 5 kilometres.