Davao:Davao Region Air quality in parts of the Davao Region worsened on Tuesday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM) linked to transboundary haze from forest fires in Indonesia, as reported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau in Davao Region (DENR-EMB-11).

According to Philippines News Agency, the air quality bulletin released at 7 a.m. on October 13 indicated that monitoring stations in Calinan District and Digos City recorded "unhealthy for sensitive groups" levels for PM2.5, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of 149.5 and 100.5, respectively. In Malita, Davao Occidental, a "very unhealthy" PM2.5 reading was observed with an AQI value of 188.5.

For PM10, the Digos station maintained "good" air quality with an AQI of 50, while Calinan and Malita showed "fair" air quality levels with AQI readings of 75 and 55.5, respectively. The increase in PM2.5 concentrations is attributed to the ongoing transboundary haze event stemming from Kalimantan and South Papua in Indonesia.

The elevated PM2.5 levels have led to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" and "very unhealthy" air quality classifications, a deviation from the usual air quality trends in the affected areas. Forecasts from the Copernicus Fire Emission Watch and Zoom Earth Wind Direction suggest that smoke from the forest fires in South Papua and Kalimantan will continue to impact the Philippines through transboundary transport.

Prevailing winds may direct smoke toward Mindanao, potentially elevating PM2.5 levels further, causing haze and reduced visibility in parts of the Davao Region. The duration and extent of these effects will depend on wind conditions, atmospheric dispersion, rainfall, and the continuation of forest fires in Indonesia.

Residents in Calinan and Digos, especially vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and those with health sensitivities, are advised to take precautions due to potential health risks. In Malita, individuals with heart and respiratory conditions like asthma are urged to stay indoors and limit physical activities.

The public is also advised to delay non-essential travel and cut down vehicle use to help reduce pollution and traffic congestion. DENR-EMB-11 continues to monitor ambient air quality in the region and will issue updates and advisories as necessary to ensure public health and safety.