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| The sun rises over the Singapore Central Business District, or CBD skyline as the haze or smog envelopes the city, June 20, 2013. |
A smoky haze fueled by forest fires in Indonesia continues to reach
hazardous new levels in neighboring Singapore and is threatening to
further irritate ties between the two countries.
Singapore officials urged people to stay indoors Thursday, as a shroud of smog hanging over the city-state sent an air pollution index soaring to an all-time high of 371, shattering a record set the previous day.
The illegal burning of forests and other land by Indonesian farmers often creates regional smog during the summer dry season. But this week's conditions are unprecedented, straining diplomatic ties.
Singapore's Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Thursday urged Indonesia to take "urgent and definitive action" to address the problem, which he said is the worst haze his country has ever faced.
Indonesia has defended its response to the fires, saying it is trying to educate plantation owners about alternatives to the traditional burning methods, which are used to clear land cheaply.
Singapore officials urged people to stay indoors Thursday, as a shroud of smog hanging over the city-state sent an air pollution index soaring to an all-time high of 371, shattering a record set the previous day.
The illegal burning of forests and other land by Indonesian farmers often creates regional smog during the summer dry season. But this week's conditions are unprecedented, straining diplomatic ties.
Singapore's Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Thursday urged Indonesia to take "urgent and definitive action" to address the problem, which he said is the worst haze his country has ever faced.
Indonesia has defended its response to the fires, saying it is trying to educate plantation owners about alternatives to the traditional burning methods, which are used to clear land cheaply.
Sources :
http://www.voanews.com/content/singapore-haze-soars-to-hazardous-levels-threatens-ties-with-indonesia/1685510.html
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