Indonesia forest fires send haze to Western Visayas

Haze from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia has reached Western Visayas, prompting Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas to warn residents to take precautions.

Treñas said the haze contains very fine particles that are being carried by the wind and could cause health problems.

“May transboundary haze halin sa Kalimantan, Indonesia, caused by forest fires, nga naga-apekto sa aton pungsod subong, hasta diri sa Western Visayas,” she said in a Facebook post.

Treñas warned that exposure to the haze could cause coughing, throat irritation, chest discomfort and watery eyes.

The mayor said it could be particularly dangerous for people with asthma and cardiovascular disease.

Treñas urged vulnerable residents, including senior citizens and pregnant women, as well as those with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, to take extra precautions.

“Ginapangabay naton ang tanan, especially ang mga vulnerable individuals, pareho sang mga senior citizens, pregnant women kag may pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, nga mag gamit gid sang face mask (preferably N95) agud makalikaw sa posible nga halit tuga sang haze,” she said.IMT