Air quality will drop dangerously for three days: MET

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has said that Maldives' air quality will drop to dangerous levels today and the following two days.

As per a statement from the office, air pollution levels all over Maldives have reached dangerous levels. The office also said that today marks the highest level of pollution within the last week.

The office also said that visibility is below two kilometers due to pollution.

"Due to northeastern winds, the coming two days will see the effects of smoke in Maldivian airspace," said the MET Office.

"And so, we request those who are active outside and seafarers as well to be vigilant."

According to the air quality monitoring system installed at the Maldives National University’s Centre for Maritime Studies in Villingili, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Villingili is currently at 166.

An AQI between 151 and 200, which is a Red Alert, is classified as unhealthy for everyone, while an AQI between 101 and 150, which is an Orange Alert, indicates unhealthy conditions for high risk groups, including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses.

According to IQAir, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in Villingili have reached 77 micrograms per cubic metre, which is 15.4 times higher than the guideline limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

It is imperative masks be worn if people do go outside and to limit exposure by staying indoors as much as possible. Windows and doors are to be kept closed in order to reduce unclean air from entering households, with an air purifier to be put into use.

Maldives is typically affected by transboundary air pollution during the Iruvai monsoon, caused by dust and industrial emissions originating from northern India. The haze often leads to reduced visibility and can trigger respiratory and other health problems.

The accompanying drops in visibility causes aviation issues and increases the risk of various health issues.