The haze affecting the Malé area has intensified, with air quality deteriorating to unhealthy levels that pose health risks. According to reports from the Air Quality Monitor System at the Centre for Maritime Studies in Villimalé, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in this area reached 175 today. This represents a red alert, indicating that air pollution has reached levels hazardous to health.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) states that an AQI between 151-200 is considered unhealthy, and in these conditions, everyone faces increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The agency has urged the public to take protective measures.

According to information on the IQAir website, PM 2.5 levels currently stand at 90 micrograms per cubic meter. This is 18 times higher than the minimum threshold set by the World Health Organization. Visibility has also been significantly reduced due to the haze. The impact of smoke and forest fires from the Himalayan region on the Maldives and surrounding waters during the dry season has been observed consistently over the years.