Iloilo: Residents of Iloilo province are urged to take precautions against haze linked to wildfires in Indonesia, with authorities warning of possible health risks from poor air quality and reduced visibility.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office issued an advisory on Wednesday, highlighting that haze was affecting the areas of Alimodian, Miag-ao, Igbaras, and Tubungan. The advisory emphasized that poor air quality and reduced visibility may pose health risks, especially to vulnerable individuals.

Authorities have recommended that vulnerable residents remain indoors as much as possible and wear well-fitting N95 or KN95 masks when venturing outside. Staying hydrated is also advised. Residents experiencing severe or persistent difficulty in breathing, chest pain, prolonged coughing, dizziness, fainting, confusion, or worsening asthma or heart-related symptoms are urged to seek immediate medical attention.

In contrast, air quality monitoring by the Environmental Management Bureau-Western Visayas indicated generally good to fair conditions at its monitoring stations in Oton, San Miguel, and Pavia within the Metro Iloilo Airshed during the period from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday. However, the Garden of Love monitoring station in Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz, Iloilo City, recorded PM2.5 levels that ranged from 'good' to 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.'

The EMB warned that these readings posed a higher risk for individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, advising them to limit strenuous outdoor activities. As of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, air quality at the Garden of Love station had improved to good-to-fair levels.

The EMB assured that the overall air quality during the monitoring period remained generally acceptable, with pollutant concentrations staying within the good-to-fair AQI levels. The Iloilo City Operations Center also advised residents to minimize exposure to fine particulate matter and stated that it was closely monitoring the haze and the prevailing southwest monsoon for any potential changes.

Authorities continue to urge the public to stay informed by monitoring official advisories and air quality updates.