The Maldives Meteorological Services, the Met Office, says air quality across the Maldives has deteriorated, with particularly poor conditions observed in the northern and central regions.
It said that these conditions are expected to persist over the next five days.
The Met Office advised seafarers and those spending extended time outdoors to take necessary precautions and follow the guidelines provided by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Air Quality Index over Male' has reached 105, while for Villimale it is at 149 right now.
AQI levels between 101 and 150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The Health Protection Agency regularly urges the public to take caution when the air is most polluted. HPA advised;
- People with lung diseases, heart diseases, and allergies should not spend too much time outside their homes
- Wearing a mask when going out
- Children, the elderly, and pregnant women should not stay outside for long periods
- Keeping doors closed
- Slow down on outdoor sports and exercise
Air pollution has become common in the Maldives in recent years with unclean air sweeping in from the Bay of Bengal.
