Haze Problem In North Improves

[george]

Haze problem in North improves

CHIANG RAI: -- The forest-fire generated haze problem which has disrupted daily life in the upper North for two weeks is showing signs of improvement after military aircraft dropped many tonnes of water from the skies above the parched provinces.

Haze and air pollution in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai began to improve Sunday with visibility of motorists reduced to about 1.5 kilometers, continuing to make driving very hazardous.

But the level of particulate matter was at 160 micrograms per cubic metre, well above the maximum standard of 120 micrograms per cubic metre.

Fire-fighting trucks had sprayed water on trees lining on both sides of the roads in an attempt to reduce haze and spread moisture in the air.

However, three districts of Chiang Rai bordering Myanmar and Laos are still encountering with thick smog.

In Chiang Mai province, the smog had lessened considerably while the level of particulate matter was still slightly above the maximum standard.

Royal Thai Air Force planes dropped tonnes of water above the city for the second day Sunday.

C130 aircraft of the Royal Thai Air Force Saturday flew at 1,500 feet and showered water twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.

Air Force officials believed that the ongoing operations would diffuse more moisture into the air and complement the rainmaking program in the upper North region in the near future.

The general situation in Mae Hong Son province is still critical as heavy smog and bush fires continue. Govenor Direk Konklib said besides having an impact on the economy, as many as 16,500 persons suffered respiratory problems between the beginning of February and March 16.

--TNA 2007-03-18