Indonesia forest fire haze blankets Philippines, prompting health advisories

Haze from forest fires in Indonesia has blanketed large parts of the Philippines, prompting government agencies to issue health advisories and monitor air quality across multiple regions. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources confirmed on September 2 that the haze, observed from Central Luzon and Metro Manila down to parts of Central Visayas, is likely linked to smoke from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The affected areas also include the Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions. The transboundary pollution is being carried by the prevailing southwest monsoon, or habagat. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) explained that strong monsoon winds are pulling smoke particles from Kalimantan toward the western sections of the country. This includes the western Visayas, Mindanao, and Mimaropa. PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja noted that the specific areas affected may vary depending on the orientation of the monsoon winds. Air quality has deteriorated significantly in several locations.