Airport Cloaked In Fog As Drivers Get Weather Alert

[george]

Airport cloaked in fog as drivers get weather alert

BANGKOK: -- Dense fog yesterday disrupted operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport and caused one flight to divert, causing delays.

Airport director Serirat Prasutanond said three flights had to circle for 10 minutes early in the morning before landing and a flight was diverted to Don Mueang Airport. By late morning, flights could land and take off at Suvarnabhumi.

Meteorological Department deputy director-general Kriengkrai Khovadhana said it had warned motorists to be careful as the fog was causing poor visibility.

"Dense fog will be with us for another one or two days," Kriengkrai said.

The department also reported that thick fog would be found in the North, Northeast and Central provinces today

Hazy weather was reported all around Bangkok, especially in areas with traffic congestion, such as Siam, Pratunam and Silom.

Director-general of the Pollution Control Department Supat Wangwongwattana said hazy weather could cause air pollution to accumulate because the pollution could not disperse in such weather.

"Hazy weather often occurs after dense fog fades away. The elderly, children and people with respiratory problems should avoid traffic congestion and activities that cause them to take deep breaths outdoors when they find hazy weather or dry haze. If anybody can't avoid those areas, they should wear breathing protection masks," he said.

He also asked the public to use public transport instead of their own cars to reduce gas emissions that could harm people. They should also stop outdoor burning, which could produce dust when hazy weather occurred.

"People should follow the forecasts of the Meteorological Department to learn when hazy weather occurs so that they can protect themselves from any harm caused by air pollution," said Supat.

--The Nation 2008-01-22