The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecast dangerous levels of air pollution across parts of the Maldives over the next two days.
Speaking to PSM News, Met Office stated that haze is expected to affect different regions of the country during this period. The agency said air quality will also remain poor in the southern atoll.
According to the Met Office, air conditions are expected to be significantly worse today compared with earlier days this week, with reduced air clarity reported in several areas. However, the agency expects conditions to improve by the third day, when the air is forecast to become clearer.
Data from air quality monitoring systems across the country indicate that the average air quality index currently exceeds 68 and the air quality index of Male' reached 113.
Monitoring equipment installed at the Maldives National University’s Centre for Maritime Studies campus in Villimalé shows that the air quality index in the area has reached 157.
Experts note that an air quality index above 50 is considered moderate, and precautionary measures are recommended. When the index exceeds 100, individuals in high-risk groups face an increased risk of health complications.