YALA, Sept 18 (TNA) – Haze from Indonesia blanketed
southern provinces of Thailand on Wednesday amid fear of worsening pollution
due to more new hotspots in the neighbouring country.
Hazardous smog from burning of farmlands and forests in
Indonesia has decreased in the past few days but authorities warned monsoon
wind could bring heavy smog to the region from Wednesday to Friday.
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Yala reported
on Wednesday PM2.5 level ranged between 8-24 micrograms per cubic meter in the
southern region.
Although the particulate matters had not exceeded safety
level of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, changing weather pattern as well as
increasing hotspots on the Sumatra Island would result in heavier smog over the
deep south in the next few days, officials say.
Residents in the southern provinces are advised to closely
follow health warning. Children, the
elderly people, pregnant women and those with respiratory are warned to avoid
outdoor exposure when haze is visible.
The transboundary haze has reoccurred during September and
October every year, posing health threats such as coughing, breathing
difficulties and eye irritation. Over
the last week, authorities began to hand out face masks for people in many
cities including Hat Yai, Songkhla province.(TNA)
