SINGAPORE – Indonesian forest fires continue to blanket parts of Southeast Asia with toxic haze, prompting the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore to issue its highest-level regional alert. The center announced a Level 3 alert for the southern ASEAN region on Saturday, October 17, after issuing the warning on Friday, October 16.
The ASMC uses a four-level warning system, ranging from Level 0 to Level 3. The highest alert indicates a high risk of severe transboundary haze, with persistent fire hotspots, widespread moderate to dense smoke, dry conditions and winds carrying haze towards neighboring ASEAN countries. The alert marks the third time this year that the center has issued a similar warning, following alerts on March 27 and August 26. The prolonged haze has disrupted daily life across parts of Southeast Asia, forcing school closures and contributing to increased respiratory complaints
Singapore’s National Environment Agency said on October 16 that it would issue preventive notices to seven companies operating in Indonesia after identifying signs that smoke from fires on land held under their concessions could have drifted into Singapore. The notices require the companies to take steps to extinguish fires, prevent further burning and submit action plans. Singapore has also warned that the haze situation could deteriorate further if dry conditions and fires persist.
