KHON KAEN, Feb 16 (TNA) – The Air Quality Index in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen, rose to 157, considered highest in the Northeast and ranked second in the country while the level of tiny dust particles stood at 73 micrograms per cubic metre of air this morning.
Officials blamed the poor air quality from burning of pre-harvest sugarcane, rice stubble and the current dry season.
Local authorities deployed water trucks to spray water to reduce dust particles. Small planes will start spraying water mist in the sky and the artificial rainmaking operation will begin next week.
In Chiang Mai, the PM 2.5 particulate matter was measured at 51 micrograms per cubic metre today, still exceeding the safety standard. The provincial governor has asked people to stop burning any wastes until Sunday.
The Third Army Region has sent two large helicopters carrying 3,500 litres of water to put out forest fires in the mountainous areas. (TNA)
