Business · Philippines Bureau
Metro Manila air quality reaches 'very unhealthy' levels amid transboundary haze
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources warned of dangerous air quality across parts of Metro Manila on Wednesday, with officials attributing the pollution surge to regional haze potentially originating from forest fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan region.
LSN Philippines ·
Air quality monitoring stations across Metro Manila recorded 'very unhealthy' pollution levels on Wednesday, Sept. 30, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). The agency identified elevated PM2.5 particulate matter as the primary concern, with concentrations reaching hazardous thresholds in multiple areas of the capital.
The DENR-EMB attributed the deterioration in air quality to transboundary haze drifting into Philippine airspace, with indications suggesting the pollution originated from active fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Such cross-border air pollution events are not uncommon in Southeast Asia during certain seasons, when atmospheric conditions favor the transport of smoke and particulates across international boundaries.
The 'very unhealthy' classification indicates air quality levels pose significant health risks to the general population and vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The environmental agency did not specify whether relief was expected in the coming days or provide recommendations for public precautions.