Haze from Indonesia has reached Metro Cebu — DENR

The haze caused by the forest fire in Indonesia has reached Metro Cebu, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Wednesday.

"Metro Cebu is currently experiencing hazy weather condition caused by the forest fire in Indonesia and enhanced by Hanging Habagat," the DENR-Environment and Management Bureau in Central Visayas said in an advisory.

"As of 8 a.m. today, real-time monitoring data for PM 2.5 showed a reading of 56 micrograms per normal cubic meter which is above the safe guideline value of 50 micrograms per normal cubic meter," it added.

According to the EMB, PM 2.5 is a small and light particulate matter that may enter the respiratory and circulatory system of humans and animals that may inhale it.

Air pollution from haze may pose health hazards such as respiratory tract infections and cardiac ailments, it added.

"We encourage the public to take safety measures and wear personal protective equipment such as dust mask or eye goggles to protect yourself from air pollutants," it said.

The public was also advised to stay indoors as much as possible and to keep their windows and doors closed.

Residents were likewise discouraged to jog and run outdoors to avoid inhaling pollutants.

The haze from the forest fire in Indonesia has earlier reached Tawi-Tawi, parts of Palawan, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato. — RSJ, GMA News