Thick haze blankets Riau

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)