SONGKHLA, Sept 9 (TNA) – Smog from neighbouring Indonesia
blankets southern provinces of Thailand, causing health hazard to the
residents.
The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province has been the most
affected by smog from burning of farmlands and forests in Indonesia as
southwest monsoon wind continues.
Residents in Hat Yai are warned of higher level of PM2.5
exceeding safety level of 50 micrograms per cubic meter for two days.
Authorities expect the situation will worsen as burning is uncontrolled during
this southwest monsoon period.
With its location in a basin, Hat Yai’s smog situation is
worse than other areas due to low air circulation.
Children, the elderly people, pregnant women and those with
respiratory are advised to stay avoid outdoor exposure and health problems such
as coughing, breathing difficulties and eye irritation.
The transboundary haze also hit other provinces including
Trang and Satun with smog blanketing urban areas as weather officials report
more hot spots on Sumatra Island.(TNA)