When was the worst haze in Singapore?
The 2013 Southeast Asian haze was notable for causing record high levels of pollution in Singapore and several parts of Malaysia. The 3-hour Pollution Standards Index in Singapore reached a record high of 401 on 21 June 2013, surpassing the previous record of 226 set during the 1997 Southeast Asian Haze.
What causes serious forest fire and hazardous haze in 2015 that affect Malaysia and Indonesia?
It was caused by forest fires resulting from slash-and-burn practices, principally on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, which then spread quickly in the dry season.
What caused the haze in Indonesia?
The haze is a result of large fires in Indonesia caused by illegal burning of forest and peat swamps, often to create land for lucrative palm oil plantations as well as for subsistence farming by local residents.
When was the first haze in Singapore?
1972
Transboundary haze in Southeast Asia has been recorded since 1972 with the 1997 and 2015 events being particularly severe.
Why does Singapore have haze?
The condition is largely caused by the burning of large tracts of forested land in Indonesia. The haze usually occurs during the southwest monsoon season between June and September, and becomes more severe during periods of dry weather. Forest fires in Sumatra, Indonesia, are the main cause of the haze in Singapore.
Why are India China and Indonesia the worst affected due to haze?
The high concentration of peat in soil contributes to the haze’s density and high sulphur content. Fires in Indonesia (particularly South Sumatra and Riau in Sumatra, and Kalimantan in Borneo), and to a lesser extent in Malaysia and Thailand, have been identified as sources.
How did haze affect Singapore?
As a result, more Singaporeans were affected by respiratory and haze-related ailments,18 and the tourism industry was severely affected. Experts estimated the economic loss caused by the haze to be between S$97.5 million and S$110.5 million.