Govt agencies 'stand ready' should haze worsen: NEA

As the nation prepares to celebrate National Day in Kallang, the Government stands ready should haze conditions worsen, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Sunday (Aug 9).

As of 1pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) stood at 81, in the moderate range, in Singapore's Central region.

Recent dry conditions have led to an escalation in hotspot activity, with hotspots and smoke plumes observed over parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, NEA said.

Under prevailing southeasterly winds, smoke haze could be transported towards Singapore, particularly from hotspots in southern Sumatra. Dry conditions are expected to persist over the coming week, increasing the risk of haze if the fires continue.

Singapore's Haze Task Force (HTF), comprising 28 public agencies, is ready to take action should air quality deteriorate and the 24-hour PSI reading exceed 100, which would prompt NEA to issue daily haze advisories.

The advisory will include the 24-hour PSI forecast, which will aid the public in planning their activities and events for the following day.

"NEA will continue to closely monitor the haze situation and provide further updates if the situation changes," the agency stated.

For information on current air quality, members of the public are advised to refer to the one-hour PM2.5 concentration as an indicator when planning outdoor activities over the next few hours.

NEA also warned that the PM2.5 readings may fluctuate throughout the day depending on weather conditions, particularly during periods of transboundary haze.

Depending on an individual's health status, the public is advised to reduce outdoor activities and physical exertion, and stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water.

Those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions should ensure that they have their medication readily available, while vulnerable persons such as the elderly, pregnant women and children who feel unwell should seek medical attention promptly.

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