AIR quality in Metro Cebu showed slight improvement on Tuesday, Sept. 8, but officials warned the air remains unhealthy for sensitive individuals due to regional smoke haze.
The pollution stems from forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which have swept across Central Visayas. The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB 7) reported that Metro Cebu's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 121 by 4 p.m., improving from earlier readings of 135 at 7 a.m. and 130 at 11 a.m.
Health hazards and wind patterns
Even with the dropping numbers, pollution levels stay high enough to threaten vulnerable residents. EMB 7 urged children, elderly adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions, such as asthma, to take extra safety measures while air quality remains poor.
Wind pattern data reveals that southwest monsoon winds are pushing smoke and fine particles from Indonesian fires straight toward the Philippines. Authorities previously warned that these drifting plumes could impact parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Precautions for residents
Earlier this month, Metro Cebu logged "Very Unhealthy" and "Acutely Unhealthy" pollution levels as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) spiked in the atmosphere. Officials noted that local conditions vary like EMB 7 station in Barangay Cabitoonan, Toledo City, recorded a "Fair" AQI reading that improved from 63 to 56 during the morning.
Because air quality can change quickly with shifting winds, rain and strong breezes may clear the air, while ongoing fires in Indonesia could drag the haze back. Health officials advise anyone going outdoors to wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask and limit their outdoor exposure until conditions clean up.