Alarming rise in Borneo hotspots
Friday, August 8, 2008
THE Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation has advised the public to refrain from conducting activities that may affect air quality, including open burning, after the Asean Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported a 94 per cent increase in hotspot activities on Borneo island within a span of six days.
Between August 1 and 6, hotspot activities on the world's third largest island escalated from 16 to 258, and were mainly detected on the north-western part, a media release from the department stated. Since late July, the ASMC also observed a surge in the number of hotspots in the southern Asean region, particularly in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Smoke plumes from the hotspots, aided by prevailing south-westerly winds, have thus affected air quality conditions in Brunei. Despite slightly hazy conditions experienced in some parts of the Sultanate in the past few days, pollution levels remained safe.
Since August 1, the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from air quality monitoring stations in all four districts reached up to 39. The average PSI reading for Brunei on normal days is below 25. PSI readings below 50 is good while readings between 50 and 100 is moderate, according to the department. Readings above 100 is considered unhealthy.
South-west monsoon conditions, which marks the traditional dry season in the southern Asean region, began in mid-June.
According to the ASMC, the dry season in the region is likely to prevail until early October. (HHM1)
The Brunei Times
Between August 1 and 6, hotspot activities on the world's third largest island escalated from 16 to 258, and were mainly detected on the north-western part, a media release from the department stated. Since late July, the ASMC also observed a surge in the number of hotspots in the southern Asean region, particularly in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Smoke plumes from the hotspots, aided by prevailing south-westerly winds, have thus affected air quality conditions in Brunei. Despite slightly hazy conditions experienced in some parts of the Sultanate in the past few days, pollution levels remained safe.
Since August 1, the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) readings recorded from air quality monitoring stations in all four districts reached up to 39. The average PSI reading for Brunei on normal days is below 25. PSI readings below 50 is good while readings between 50 and 100 is moderate, according to the department. Readings above 100 is considered unhealthy.
South-west monsoon conditions, which marks the traditional dry season in the southern Asean region, began in mid-June.
According to the ASMC, the dry season in the region is likely to prevail until early October. (HHM1)
The Brunei Times
Business Besides Oil
