Haze Returns to Labuan Bajo as Visibility Falls

Labuan Bajo — Haze returned to Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday, Oct. 19, limiting visibility to about four kilometres, according to the Komodo Meteorological Station.

The station urged sensitive groups, including children, older people and those with respiratory conditions, to limit strenuous outdoor activity when the air is smoky or dusty. It said people who develop respiratory problems should consult health professionals if necessary.

Reduced visibility affected Labuan Bajo on Oct. 19

The haze was visible over Labuan Bajo during the afternoon and made the sky appear obscured. The Komodo Meteorological Station said the exact source still required further analysis. Possible contributors included fine particles from smoke, dust, water vapour or sea salt carried into the atmosphere.

Weather monitoring indicated that winds in East Nusa Tenggara were predominantly coming from the east. That raised the possibility that smoke from forest and land fires outside the province had contributed to the haze, but the meteorological station said the observation did not by itself establish that explanation.

For residents and visitors, the practical effect was reduced visibility and a potential concern for people sensitive to smoky or dusty air. The guidance applied particularly to children, older people and people with respiratory illnesses. The station did not identify a confirmed source or announce a broader restriction on movement or outdoor activity.

Sources

• detikBali — Indonesian news report
• hiling.indozone.id
• radartv.disway.id