Oroquietanons worries on” smog” from Indonesia’s Wildfire
Oroquieta City – Oroquietanons now worries on the haze that hovers
over its skyline after PAGASA Northern Mindanao reported that the wildfire smog
from Indonesia has reached the Southern Philippine Island that creates an
atmospheric haze.
Luz Mercado, a weather
specialist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental confirms that said
smog came from the wildfire that hits Indonesia forests.
Dr. Clemente Almonte who heads
the City Health Services told Philippine News Agency that the city which
belongs to Northern Mindanao is now monitoring its skyline and prepares for any
medical response to it.
According to PAGASA, the south
westerly winds drove the smog towards Mindanao, where the haze is visible in
mostly part of Northern and Southern Mindanao areas.
Medical research confirms that
the smog and haze could dissipate when rainfalls occur because the smog
comprises small particles that could be dissolved by rains. Its belching fires
became a perennial problem in Indonesia that was started by a continuing slash
and burn methods of its farmer to clear areas where palm oil plantations grows
in Sumatra and Borneo of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Department of
Education in the province of Misamis Occidental is also monitoring coming of
said smog in order to caution them for
it will certainly affects the health of students, but as of this time, DepED
authorities has prepared alternative safety measures to its impact if it will
become visible.
In Misamis Oriental,
particularly Cagayan de Oro Laguindingan Airport, Jose Bodiongan, Airport
manager said that an advice to conduct visual landing on Tuesday after thick
haze almost rendered a zero visibility however, Bodiongan farther said that
weather situation remain normal and flight schedules remained unhampered.
On his part Oroquieta City
Mayor Jason Paredes Almonte advises all sectors to monitor and be prepared to
any emergency preparedness if worst comes. He also advises the City Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to coordinate with the City
Health Office for any medical preparation.PJT
