Haze and Smoke Persist in Northern Maldives, Affecting Air Quality and Visibility

The Maldives is currently experiencing a significant environmental issue, characterised by a combination of smoke and fog, primarily affecting the northern regions of the country.

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has reported a substantial reduction in visibility across many areas, which has now dropped to just three kilometres due to the thick haze. This condition has been particularly noticeable over the past two days and is expected to worsen in the coming days.

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Air quality in the northern regions has deteriorated due to haze, reducing horizontal visibility to 3 kilometers. Central atolls are expected to experience similar conditions in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/L9KjN48LAi— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) January 6, 2025

MET officials have indicated that the northern provinces are experiencing the worst of the air pollution, with a sharp decline in air quality. The smoke, which contributes to the foggy conditions, is believed to be drifting from neighbouring India, worsened by the prevailing north-east monsoon winds. 

The haze is largely attributed to the smog produced by the burning of agricultural fields in India, which is being carried across the sea to the Maldives.

Experts have noted that this type of issue is not unusual during the December-January period. The combination of agricultural burning in India and the monsoon winds has led to recurring episodes of reduced visibility and air quality in the Maldives, making it a seasonal occurrence that residents and visitors have come to expect.