Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an Orange Alert due to the air quality in the Male' region worsening to dangerous levels.
HPA stated that this places vulnerable people and others at risk of respiratory complications. They urged to exercise caution, and advised avoiding outdoor exercise and other activities at this time.
HPA advised vulnerable persons to wear N95 masks when outdoors. They further call for the public to keep doors and windows of homes closed, and to use air purifiers.
According to air quality monitor IQAir, the Fine Particulate Matter (dust particles) or PM 2.5 is currently at 42 micrograms per cubic meter. At US AQI, it is at 117, the level which requires an Orange Alert.
Conditions are expected to worsen until Monday.
Every year, hazy conditions persist in Maldives during the transition period between monsoons.
As per weather research agencies, Maldives experiences haze due to Himalayan (a mountain chain shared by India, Pakistan and China) winds traveling to Maldives. The haze has been determined to be dust and factory smoke.