Haze has receded

Haze has receded

SINGAPORE (Reuters): The risk of a return of severe smog to
Southeast Asia has faded, Singapore said yesterday.

"While hot spots will continue to be detected from time to
time, the risk of recurrence of a severe or sustained smoke haze
episode has now receded," the Ministry of the Environment and the
Meteorological Service Singapore said in a joint statement.

Choking smog, most stemming from fires in Indonesia made worse
by dry weather, plagued much of Southeast Asia for months in
1997.

Air pollution rose to unhealthy levels, driving many indoors
and on occasion forcing closures of schools, businesses and
airports in the region. Tourism suffered heavily as well.

The Singapore statement said: "The El Nio event which had
brought abnormally dry weather conditions to the region is
virtually over, and weather conditions are now returning to
normal." The Environment Ministry is ending hourly announcements
of the level of air pollution, although it will continue
providing daily announcements, the statement said.