Haze from fires returns to S'pore

Haze from fires returns to S'pore

SINGAPORE (AFP): Thick gray haze believed to be from forest fires in Indonesia descended upon parts of Singapore yesterday, cutting visibility and triggering public concern about possible health repercussions.

The Meteorological Service warned that thick haze may affect Singapore occasionally until November, and the extent will depend on wind conditions.

Satellite pictures have shown "smoke patches" from Indonesia's central and south Sumatra since August, but it only began to affect Singapore on Monday because of a shift in wind direction, the agency said in a statement.

Television channel TCS-5 said its hotline had received reports of haze in central and eastern Singapore districts yesterday.

Last year, clouds of haze generated by Indonesian forest fires enveloped large sections of Southeast Asia for months, causing respiratory problems and reducing visibility in ports and airports.