Indonesia Forest Fires, Kanlaon Eruption Trigger
Unhealthy Air Conditions in Visayas and Mindanao
Air quality deteriorated across several areas of the Visayas
and Mindanao as smoke from forest fires in Indonesia combined with volcanic
emissions from Kanlaon Volcano, prompting environmental authorities to urge
residents to limit exposure to polluted air.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported
that particulate matter levels had reached very unhealthy conditions in Western
Visayas, Soccsksargen and portions of Northern Mindanao, including Iligan City,
based on air quality monitoring as of noon.
The situation varied across regions. Central Visayas
recorded acutely unhealthy air, while Eastern Visayas, the Davao Region, the
remainder of Northern Mindanao and Bicol registered conditions considered
unhealthy for sensitive groups. Other portions of the Visayas and Mindanao,
together with Mimaropa, maintained fair air quality, while most areas of Luzon
remained under good conditions.
Kanlaon Adds to Pollution Concerns
The air quality situation in Negros Island Region has been
further complicated by volcanic activity at Kanlaon Volcano.
According to the Environmental Management Bureau in the
region, ash released during the volcano's recent eruption may increase airborne
particulate matter. These fine particles are particularly concerning because
they can be inhaled deep into the respiratory system.
EMB-NIR chief Vicente Losbañes also linked the haze
affecting parts of Negros to smoke drifting from forest fires in Kalimantan,
Indonesia. The combination of volcanic ash and wildfire smoke has created an
additional pollution burden in communities already exposed to elevated
particulate levels.
Recent monitoring showed acute unhealthy conditions in La
Castellana, unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups conditions in La Carlota City, and
very unhealthy air in Bacolod.
The risks are especially significant in communities situated
near Kanlaon. Several barangays in La Castellana and La Carlota City lie at the
volcano's foothills, where moderately explosive eruptions have been recorded
since February.
Residents Urged to Reduce Outdoor Exposure
Authorities are advising the public to avoid unnecessary or
prolonged outdoor activity, particularly in areas visibly affected by haze.
Children, older adults and individuals with respiratory or
cardiovascular conditions face greater risks from elevated air pollution and
have been encouraged to remain indoors whenever possible. Residents who need to
go outside in areas affected by haze are advised to wear properly fitted
protective masks, preferably N95 respirators or equivalent.
The current conditions underscore how air pollution can
travel well beyond the location where it originates. Like smoke carried by
shifting winds, pollutants from large-scale forest fires can cross national and
regional boundaries, while volcanic emissions can compound their effects once
they reach populated areas.
With both sources contributing to particulate pollution,
continued air quality monitoring remains critical as authorities assess
conditions across affected communities.
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