Space agency says landfill haze has reached Bataan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency has detected elevated levels of air pollution across Metro Manila following the fire at the Navotas sanitary landfill, with effects reaching as far as Bataan.

PhilSA said satellite data showed high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide – a key indicator of smoke pollution – during the height of the blaze, which broke out at around 8 p.m. on April 10.

Using time-lapse satellite mapping, PhilSA monitored the spread of smoke from the landfill fire from the morning of April 11.

The data showed darker areas – indicating higher nitrogen dioxide levels – starting from Navotas and extending across large portions of Metro Manila.

By morning, pollution levels were already elevated over Navotas, with the smoke plume pushed westward by prevailing winds, reaching parts of Bataan.

By the afternoon of April 11, nitrogen dioxide concentrations remained significantly high across Metro Manila, indicating sustained air quality impact even hours after the initial spread.

PhilSA said these findings align with ground reports showing that the effects of the landfill fire were not limited to nearby communities but extended to wider areas.

The agency emphasized the importance of satellite data in tracking environmental hazards, noting that such technology allows authorities to monitor air quality and assess the broader impact of incidents like landfill fires.

‘Very unhealthy’ air in Malabon

Yesterday morning, air quality in neighboring Malabon reached “very unhealthy” levels, city authorities reported.

In an advisory, the Malabon government said fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was recorded at 196 as of 8 a.m., posing health risks to the general public, with more serious effects expected among vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.

Residents were advised to limit outdoor exposure, wear N95 or equivalent face masks when going out and keep windows and doors closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes.

Health officials also urged the public to stay hydrated, get adequate rest and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing or chest pain. – Mark Ernest Villeza