SINGAPORE: Singapore has not been impacted by transboundary haze despite a spike in the number of forest and land fires in Indonesia's Sumatra, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Tuesday (Jul 22).
In response to queries from CNA, NEA said that this was due to favourable wind conditions.
"Based on satellite observations, smoke plumes were detected in the southern and central parts of Sumatra in recent days," the agency said.
"As the prevailing winds are mostly blowing from the southeast over Singapore and the vicinity, Singapore has not been affected by transboundary haze."
Dry conditions in the region are, however, expected to persist until the end of the week before wetter conditions return and possibly improve the regional hotspot and haze situation, NEA added.
The agency said that the ongoing dry season in the southern Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is expected to last until October.
"During this period, dry conditions may occur over the region," said NEA.
"The hotspot and smoke haze situation may escalate at times, and depending on prevailing wind conditions, increase the risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore."
If transboundary haze affects Singapore, NEA said that the government's inter-agency Haze Task Force – comprising 28 government ministries and agencies – will activate the necessary action plans to mitigate and manage the impact of the haze, should the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index enter the unhealthy range.
"Tiered measures will be implemented depending on the intensity of the haze, along with advisories to the public," the agency added.
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In response to queries from CNA, NEA said that this was due to favourable wind conditions.
"Based on satellite observations, smoke plumes were detected in the southern and central parts of Sumatra in recent days," the agency said.
"As the prevailing winds are mostly blowing from the southeast over Singapore and the vicinity, Singapore has not been affected by transboundary haze."
Dry conditions in the region are, however, expected to persist until the end of the week before wetter conditions return and possibly improve the regional hotspot and haze situation, NEA added.
The agency said that the ongoing dry season in the southern Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is expected to last until October.
"During this period, dry conditions may occur over the region," said NEA.
"The hotspot and smoke haze situation may escalate at times, and depending on prevailing wind conditions, increase the risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore."
If transboundary haze affects Singapore, NEA said that the government's inter-agency Haze Task Force – comprising 28 government ministries and agencies – will activate the necessary action plans to mitigate and manage the impact of the haze, should the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index enter the unhealthy range.
"Tiered measures will be implemented depending on the intensity of the haze, along with advisories to the public," the agency added.
Continue reading...