Weather Forecaster Says ‘Amihan’ to Blow ‘Smaze’ Back to Indonesia

A government weather forecaster Monday said the coming “Amihan” or northwesterly winds will blow back to Indonesia the “smaze” that has affected parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, including Metro Cebu.

Engr. Oscar Tabada of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (Pagasa) Mactan Station said the smaze, a combination of smoke and haze, started to dissipate with the coming of the northwesterly winds.

But typhoon “Lando” strengthened the weaking “Habagat” of southwesterly winds, sending the haze reportedly caused by forest fires in Indonesia to areas in Mindanao and the Visayas.

Tabada said the northwesterly winds are expected to strengthen after the typhoon exited the Philippine area of responsibility.

He said the northwesterly winds are expected to blow back the haze to Indonesia.

As this developed, health officials in Central Visayas said there is nothing for the public to be alarmed yet on the smaze hovering Cebu and other parts of the region.

Dr. Expedito Medalla, Department of Health (DOH) 7 coordinator on health emergency and management, said only those with respiratory ailments have to take precautions.

Earlier, environment officials said dust particles in Cebu’s air have gone beyond safe limits. (PNA) CTB/EB/EDS