Haze spreads across Metro Manila as Navotas landfill fire continues
By Trixee Rosel
(Courtesy: Philippine Emergency Alerts)
Thick smoke from the ongoing fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill spread across parts of Metro Manila on Saturday, April 11, as the blaze continued to emit smoke and affected air quality in several areas.
The fire, which broke out around 8 p.m. on April 10, continued to send smoke across multiple cities, prompting residents to take precautions due to reduced air quality and visibility.
Affected areas include Navotas, Valenzuela, Malabon, Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Makati, Manila, and San Juan, as well as Obando in Bulacan.
Health risks were raised for vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory conditions due to prolonged exposure to haze.
Residents were advised to stay indoors as much as possible, keep doors and windows closed, and wear face masks when going outside.
The public was likewise urged to avoid outdoor activities, limit strenuous physical exertion, and maintain proper hydration to reduce the risk of respiratory discomfort.
Motorists were cautioned to exercise extra care due to reduced visibility along several road networks affected by the haze.
The Environmental Management Bureau–National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) said the situation will continue to be monitored as the landfill fire remains active.