By Chris V. Panganiban
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Air quality in the Caraga region is forecast to gradually improve this week as smoke from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, is expected to move westward to northwestward, away from the region, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Caraga said.
The DENR-EMB Caraga based its update on the latest Fire Emissions Watch forecast covering Sept. 21 to 25.
The forecast indicates that smoke is expected to move away from Caraga on Sept. 21 and 22, with lighter smoke concentrations forecast over the region on Sept. 23.
Minimal smoke influence is expected on Sept. 24, while generally improved air quality conditions are forecast by Sept. 25.
The agency, however, stressed that the anticipated improvement does not mean the haze situation has ended or that air quality has returned to normal.
Prevailing wind direction, atmospheric conditions and other meteorological factors could still change the movement and concentration of smoke over the region, the DENR-EMB Caraga said.
Residents were advised to continue monitoring official air-quality updates and limit prolonged outdoor exposure when haze or smoke is observed.
Children, older persons, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or other underlying health conditions were advised to take extra precautions.
The DENR-EMB Caraga also urged local government units and concerned agencies to continue monitoring local air-quality conditions, provide timely information to communities and coordinate with relevant agencies should conditions change.
The agency said the forecast points to improving air quality in the coming days, but conditions may still change depending on weather and atmospheric conditions.
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