World · Philippines Bureau
Indonesian forest fires send haze across Occidental Mindoro
Smoke from burning forests and agricultural lands in Indonesia has drifted across the Philippines, blanketing parts of Occidental Mindoro with thick haze. Local disaster authorities have cautioned residents as air quality deteriorates across multiple municipalities.
LSN Philippines ·
A dense haze has settled over several areas of Occidental Mindoro, with visibility significantly reduced in towns including Calintaan and Rizal, as smoke from forest and land fires in Indonesia continues to drift northward across the region.
Disaster risk reduction officials in Occidental Mindoro have attributed the atmospheric conditions to transboundary smoke from active burning in Indonesian territories. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Rizal town issued warnings to residents regarding the ongoing air quality concerns affecting the province.
The haze, which has been observed spreading across multiple municipalities in Occidental Mindoro, marks the latest instance of cross-border air pollution affecting the Philippines during fire season. Authorities have advised residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to exercise caution and limit outdoor activities where possible.
Local disaster officials continue to monitor air quality conditions and the progression of fires in Indonesia, with further updates expected as weather patterns and fire activity evolve in the coming days.