Maldives Meteorological Services (MET) has announced that poor air quality in the Male' region will persist today as well, as smoke from the east continues to affect the country. 

While the northern and central areas of the Maldives are experiencing significant air pollution, conditions in the southern regions are reported to be clearer.

MET office explained that the current pollution is a recurring issue for the country at this time of year, largely due to smoke drifting from outside the eastern borders. As a result, visibility has been notably reduced in the affected areas, with the distance to the horizon in Male' shrinking from more than 10 kilometres on clearer days to less than 4 kilometres.

The Maldives Meteorological Services also advised those with pre-existing health conditions, such as lung and heart diseases, as well as individuals with allergies, to avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor air. Precautionary measures include wearing masks when stepping outside, limiting time spent outdoors for vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and pregnant women, and avoiding taking babies out in the polluted air.