Haze Watch - 1 February 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

Hotspots continue to be observed in the northern region due to the dry weather prevailing there. Hotspots are most numerous in Cambodia, while scattered hotspots may be observed in Viet Nam, Lao PDR and Thailand. Isolated hotspots were detected in Myanmar.

On 1 February 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 25 January to 31 January 2010, most hotspots were detected in Cambodia (1373) followed by Thailand (388). The highest number of hotspots was detected on 28 January 2010 in Cambodia (355).

Based on FDRS reading, all fine fuels will easily ignite, potentially resulting in many fires in Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam. In mixed fuels, severe drought conditions and high-intensity fires can occur in parts of Thailand and parts of Viet Nam. Peat areas will produce widespread and severe haze in most parts of Thailand, Lao PDR and 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).