Forest Fire Haze Spreads Across Aceh, Affecting 13 Districts and Cities

Banda Aceh, MINA – Haze suspected to have originated from forest and land fires in several parts of Sumatra has spread across Aceh Province, affecting at least 13 districts and cities and reducing visibility in several areas.

Satellite monitoring by the Sultan Iskandar Muda Class I Meteorological Station of Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Banda Aceh detected haze dispersal at 8 a.m. local time on Thursday.

The affected areas include North Aceh, Lhokseumawe, East Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, Langsa, Gayo Lues, Southeast Aceh, Subulussalam, Aceh Singkil, South Aceh, Simeulue, Nagan Raya, and Sabang.

Haze was also observed in several areas of Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar beginning Thursday morning. Several meteorological stations across Aceh reported reduced visibility due to the conditions.

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BMKG had previously detected one hotspot in the Muara Satu area of Lhokseumawe based on monitoring data through 11:59 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

Haze dispersal was also observed in other Sumatran provinces, including North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, the Riau Islands, Bengkulu, the Bangka Belitung Islands, and South Sumatra.

BMKG analysis indicated that the haze was moving northwest to north. The prevailing wind conditions could also carry haze from Sumatra toward Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, raising concerns about potential transboundary air pollution.

Despite the expanding haze, air quality monitoring showed that PM2.5 fine particulate concentrations in Aceh remained within the good to moderate categories. Observations by the Aceh Climatology Station in the Indrapuri area and its surroundings indicated good air quality.

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BMKG urged residents in affected areas to limit outdoor activities, particularly when visibility deteriorates. People who need to spend time outdoors were advised to wear appropriate masks when necessary.

Residents were also encouraged to monitor official BMKG updates on weather conditions, haze movement, and air quality as the situation develops.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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