Indonesia haze reaches parts of Mindanao

The haze caused by kaingin activities in Indonesia is now affecting several parts of Mindanao.

A report on GMA-7's "24 Oras" on Thursday said that the haze has affected General Santos City's airport and made it difficult for planes to land. Some flights have been diverted or cancelled altogether.

"Kung dili [hindi] na siya safe for the aircraft to land. We recommend po for suspension of landing," said Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-General Santos City air traffic controller Edgardo Cueto.

The Zamboanga International Airport has also been covered in haze for the past few days. However, it has not affected any of the flights.

"For the last five days ata o almost one week na. Nakikita talaga natin thick haze," said Allan Jilani, a PAGASA weather observer in Zamboanga City.

Because of the haze, some residents in the city have been suffering from cough and colds. Health workers also reported that there are others who had difficulty breathing.

"'Yung mga nasa somewhere in the mountainous part of the region would get more of the effect of the haze. Kaya marami nang mga bata, marami nang mga elderly are probably much vulnerable in this region," said city health officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos.

Authorities recommended that residents, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, avoid areas covered in haze.

Davao Province has also been affected by the haze.

Haze is a recurring problem in Indonesia, where slash-and-burn agricultural practices have blanketed the country and its neighbors with smoke.

According to a report on Reuters, Indonesia usually enters its wet season in October and November. But this year dry conditions could strengthen until December—hindering efforts to control the fires. — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News