Haze Watch - 25 January 2010

The report is compiled by the ASEAN Secretariat based on feedback from relevant ASEAN Member Countries and will be updated on a regular basis.

Report of Current Situation

The prevailing dry conditions over northern region continued to bring scattered hotspots over Myanmar and north-eastern Cambodia. Isolated hotspots were detected in Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam. Some hotspots were also observed in Borneo.

Thailand

On 25 January 2010, air quality index (AQI) reading recorded good level in Phuket and Hatyai, unhealthy level in Saraburi, Ayutthaya and Samut Prakarn, and moderate level in the rest of the country.

In the period of 18 January to 24 January 2010, most hotspots were detected in Cambodia (513) followed by Thailand (425). The highest number of hotspots was detected on 18 January 2010 in Cambodia (373).

Based on FDRS reading, all fine fuels will easily ignite, potentially resulting in many fires in parts of Thailand, parts of Viet Nam and parts of Borneo. Most fine fuels will easily ignite in parts of Lao PDR. In mixed fuels, severe drought conditions and high-intensity fires can occur in parts of Thailand and parts of Viet Nam. In mixed fuels, both moderate- and high-intensity fires can be very common in parts of Thailand. In mixed fuels, moderate intensity fires can occur in parts of Thailand, parts of Lao PDR , parts of Viet Nam and parts of Borneo. Peat areas will produce widespread and severe haze in most parts of Thailand, Lao PDR and most parts of Viet Nam. Drought conditions in peat areas and high-intensity fires are possible in parts of Thailand and parts of Viet Nam. Smoldering in drained peat areas is possible in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.

Resources Mobilised and Actions Taken

In Thailand, action taken under Fire Suppression Mobilisation Plan level 1 (situation under control).