The National Environment Agency reported in its Press Release that the Pollution Standards Index (PSI) has decreased from Very Unhealthy yesterday to Moderate to Unhealthy range at 6 pm on Saturday (27 August), and the 1-hr PM2.5 was 21-46 µg/m3, in Band I (Normal).
NEA states that the air quality improved as less dense haze from central Sumatra was being blown in by the prevailing wind.
Only two hotspots were detected in Sumatra today due to cloud cover and a partial satellite pass. Prevailing haze over central Sumatra was observed to continue spreading east across the Malacca Strait.
The slightly hazy conditions would exist for the rest of the day. However, with the shift in wind direction from the southwest or south overnight, the air quality would be improved tomorrow.
The forecast showed that thundery showers are also expected in the late morning and early afternoon for Singapore. The 1-hr PM2.5 concentration over the next 24 hours is expected to drop from Band II (Elevated) to Band I (Normal). Overall, the PSI for the next 24 hours is forecast to be in the Moderate range.
NEA stated that the health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, everyone can continue with normal activities. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.
According to the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, everyone can continue with normal activities. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.
According to the local news of Indonesia, fires in Riau has increased and the armies have difficulties in putting them off.
The haze was spreading across the city of Pekanbaru and Dumai which left the visibility to only 2,500 metres Pekanbaru and 1,500 metres in Dumai.
The head of Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Council of Pekanbaru, Sugarin, stated on 27 August that in Sumatera, 67 hotspots were detected today, 61 among them were located in Riau, 3 were in Lampung, and 1 in Sumatera Barat.
Sugarin predicted that the fires which continue to happen in Riau were due to the lack of rainfall. “There is a chance that the rain with low density will fall in Riau this night,” he said.
To prevent the fires from spreading, the Air Task Force had sent helicopters and air tractor aeroplanes to do the water bombing, targeting the area with the high chance of spreading.
The member of the Air Force Task, Mayor Ferry Duwantoro, said, “Today’s targets of water bombing are Rokan Hilir, Bengkalis, Siak dan Kampar. The fires had spread in the palm plantation area and we need to put off the fire to prevent the spreading.”
Ferry stated that aeroplanes were patrolling in the area and soon as they spotted the fires they reported the finding to the army post and the helicopters sent to the inflicted area.
