Thick haze blankets Riau

PEKANBARU, Riau: Much of this province was cast in haze yesterday as thick smoke from forest fires blanketed the province once again.

Antara reported yesterday that although haze around the airport reduced visibility to 500 meters, air traffic had not been affected but did worry transport officials.

Similar smog from Riau spread as far as Singapore and Malaysia two weeks ago, disrupting flight traffic.

City streets were quieter yesterday as the haze choked residents and burned their eyes, the report said.

Smoke also blanketed the neighboring province of Jambi, forcing Merpati Nusantara Airlines to cancel its flights to and from other cities in the area. (pan)