The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an Orange Alert as air quality in the Malé region continues to decline to potentially hazardous levels.

Authorities warned that the current conditions pose a significant health risk, especially for vulnerable groups, and urged the public to take necessary precautions.

HPA advised the public to avoid outdoor exercise and limit other unnecessary outdoor activities.

Vulnerable individuals are encouraged to wear N95 masks when outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and use air purifiers where possible.

People most at risk from poor air quality include children and infants, the elderly, those with chronic lung or heart diseases, individuals with allergies, and those who work outdoors.

The HPA emphasized that high-risk groups such as people with asthma, COPD, allergies, or cardiac conditions should minimize time spent outside when the air quality deteriorates.

The agency further advised that these individuals should wear masks if they must go outdoors.

Real-time air quality can be monitored through the Ministry of Tourism and Environment’s online platform (link) and the IQAir Visual app.

Based on this data, HPA continues to issue public health guidance to help limit the impact of polluted air.

Hazy conditions are common in the Maldives during the transition between monsoon seasons.

Weather experts attribute the current haze to dust-laden winds originating from the Himalayan region shared by India, Pakistan, and China which carry fine dust and industrial emissions across the subcontinent and over the Maldives.