Iloilo officials warn residents of health risks from Indonesian haze

ILOILO CITY — Residents of Iloilo City and the wider Western Visayas region have been advised to take precautions against worsening air quality as transboundary haze from Indonesia settles over the area.

City Mayor Raisa Treñas issued the warning citing health risks associated with exposure to fine particulate matter suspended in the air. According to the advisory, the haze can trigger coughing, throat irritation, chest discomfort, and eye irritation in the general population. The mayor emphasized that individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions face heightened vulnerability to adverse health effects.

The haze, carried by prevailing winds from neighboring Indonesia, has blanketed areas across Western Visayas, reducing visibility and air quality indices. Such transboundary air pollution events have become increasingly common during dry seasons when agricultural burning and forest fires intensify in Indonesia.

Local authorities have not announced specific measures to address the haze at present. Residents are typically advised to limit outdoor activities, wear appropriate masks when venturing outside, and seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop or worsen.