HAZY CONDITIONS LINKED TO SMOKE AND POLLUTANTS FROM BUSH FIRE
CAPTION: Haze cover over Hanuabada village in the National Capital District this morning.
BY RICKY ISRAEL
HAZY conditions are expected across most parts of Papua New Guinea due to prevailing dry weather conditions associated with El Niño.
Mr Kasis Inape, Assistant Director of Climate Research and Support Services at the National Weather Service, says the haze currently affecting Port Moresby and parts of the country is linked to smoke and pollutants transported from bushfires in Indonesia.
He says the lack of rain and calm winds have allowed these pollutants to remain in the atmosphere.
Mr Inape warns that the haze may affect people’s health, particularly children and those with respiratory conditions.
He advises parents to limit children’s exposure to the hazy outdoor environment.
He has also urged people to take precautions with rainwater collected during this period, as airborne pollutants may contaminate it.
Mr Inape advises people to boil collected rainwater before drinking it, although boiling may not remove all chemical pollutants.
The public is encouraged to follow weather and health advisories as dry conditions continue.
