Cebu Air Faces Another Pollution Spike as Indonesia Fires Affect Air Quality
CEBU AIR – Residents are being urged to limit outdoor exposure as Cebu Air quality deteriorates amid smoke linked to wildfires in Indonesia.
Metro Cebu once again experienced unhealthy air conditions on Saturday after the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 238 at around 7 a.m.
The latest measurement placed the area under the “acutely unhealthy” category, prompting health and environmental authorities to remind residents to take precautions, particularly those who have existing heart or respiratory conditions.
The EMB urged vulnerable individuals to remain indoors as much as possible while air pollution levels remain elevated. The bureau also advised the public to limit activities that could increase exposure to polluted air.
“Unnecessary trips should be postponed. Motor vehicle use may be restricted. Industrial activities may be curtailed,” the bureau said.
According to EMB Central Visayas spokesperson Engr. Cindy Pepito, the deteriorating air quality in Metro Cebu was still being linked to smoke originating from wildfires in Indonesia.
The smoke from the fires has contributed to the buildup of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. The EMB previously explained that pollutants generated by the wildfires could be transported by prevailing winds, allowing them to travel across areas and reach Cebu.
The recent AQI reading adds to a series of elevated pollution levels recorded in Metro Cebu in recent weeks. On September 3, the area registered an AQI of 252, which was also classified as a highly unhealthy level.
The recurring deterioration has kept environmental authorities on alert as they continue to track the concentration of particulate matter in the region.
Residents, particularly those considered more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, are encouraged to monitor official air quality updates and reduce unnecessary outdoor exposure while conditions remain unfavorable.
The EMB continues to conduct monitoring in Metro Cebu to determine how air quality levels develop amid the continued presence of elevated particulate matter.
The situation highlights the potential effects of transboundary smoke pollution, as pollutants from fires outside the country can be carried by atmospheric conditions and affect air quality in areas far from their source.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation and issuing advisories as air quality conditions change.
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