Air Quality Remains Hazardous Across Maldives, Haze Set to Linger for Five Days

The Maldives National Meteorological Service has warned that haze will continue to affect the central and northern regions for the next five days, as air quality levels remain dangerously poor across much of the country today. According to IQAir, the northern islands are experiencing the worst air pollution, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 158 and 160, classified as a red alert. This level is considered harmful to everyone's heart and lungs, with a high risk of worsening conditions for those already ill. Kulhudhuffushi City has been cited as the area at highest risk. In the central Maldives, including the Malé region, the AQI stands at 121, a level deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, posing risks to those with fragile health and potentially causing respiratory issues. Southern atolls fare better, with AQI ratings of 77 in the south and 58 in Laamu Atoll. The cleanest air is reported in the southernmost regions, with Addu City at 39 and Fulidhoo City at 28. The National Meteorological Service stated that visibility in the central Maldives and northern atolls has dropped to as low as two kilometers due to haze, and this condition is forecast to persist for five days. Health experts advise people with lung diseases, heart conditions, or allergies to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and to wear masks when going outside.