IQAir indicates that this afternoon, Maldives' air quality is at 96, which is a moderate level. However, ViliMale', just a ten minute boat ride away, sees air quality of 160, which is marked as 'unhealthy'.
Maldives is now being affected by the smog in North India.
IQAir indicates that this afternoon, Maldives' air quality is at 96, which is a moderate level. However, ViliMale', just a ten minute boat ride away, sees air quality of 160, which is marked as 'unhealthy'. Those at high risk are required to take precautionary measures when air quality is at this level.
As per IQAir, air quality in Maldives has been affected since last week, with the haze drifting in. Effects of haze are most highly felt in the northern atolls, located closest to India.
Of late, Maldives has been experiencing haze and subsequent low visibility each December.
However, in previous years, the haze was a result of winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal in the Northeast monsoon. This year, the effects are being felt sooner than usual, from the direction of the Arabian sea. This is believed to be a result of the wind directions in Cyclone Fengal experienced in northern India.
Since last month, New Delhi, India has been covered in smog, leading to schools and offices being closed.