Air quality drops to unhealthy levels across majority of Maldives

Authorities on Wednesday warned that air quality across most parts of the Maldives has deteriorated to unhealthy levels.

The Maldives typically experiences haze in December and January when northeasterly winds carry polluted air from India, leading to reduced visibility and poorer air quality.

According to the IQ Air, which shows the Quality Index (AQI), air quality in most parts of the Maldives, particularly northern and central regions including capital Male’ City, is at unhealthy levels.

In this regard, red alerts have been issued to Male’ City, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll, posing health risks to the general public, especially sensitive groups.

Meanwhile, orange alerts have been issued to the majority of remaining areas except Addu City, where a yellow alert is in effect, with moderate levels of pollution.

Authorities have always urged the public to take precautions when air quality drops. In this regard, the public has been adviced to:

• Reduce outdoor exercise
• Close windows to avoid dirty outdoor air
• Sensitive groups should wear a mask outdoors
• Run an air purifier

An official from the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has stated that under the current wind conditions, air quality will likely only improve with heavy rainfall.