How the haze from Indonesia forest fire reach PHL shores

The southwest monsoon or habagat is dragging the smoke from the blazing forest in Indonesia towards the Philippines, GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz said on Thursday.

In a report on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Mang Tani noted the habagat from the southern hemisphere in Australia drifts through the equator and eventually veers to the Philippines.

“Kung magtatagal pa ang forest fire na ‘yan, ang ating southwest monsoon o hanging habagat ang siyang magdadala ng usok na ‘yan sa atin,” Mang Tani said.

The haze can be experienced in Mindanao, Visayas and southern Luzon.

“Kaya kung magtutuloy-tuloy ‘yung ihip ng hanging habagat, malaki ang potential na maranasan natin at maapektuhan tayo nitong mga usok na ito,” Mang Tani said.

Vast forest fires have hit the Indonesian archipelago in recent weeks.

The fires—usually started by illegal burning to clear land for farming—have produced haze across Southeast Asia.

The haze from the fires has reached Tawi-Tawi and parts of Palawan , and Metro Cebu.

The Department of Health warned Filipinos in affected areas regarding the health risks and to take proper precautions like wearing face masks when going outdoors. —Joviland Rita/VDS, GMA News