Myanmar: Air quality near Yangon unhealthy due to dump fire May 2 /update 1

Event

A dump fire in Hlaing Tharyar township (Yangon), ongoing as of Wednesday, May 2, has worsened the air quality in the immediate area to an unhealthy level, fomenting public health concerns. However, according to local health authorities, the poor air quality has not reached levels necessitating the declaration of an emergency. Firefighters are expected to bring the blaze under control in the coming days.

Context

The blaze has generated a haze blanketing parts of Yangon - a city of five million without long-term waste management facilities - raising public health concerns. Dozens of residents have been hospitalized, mainly suffering smoke inhalation.

Advice

Individuals present in Yangon are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid the site of the fire, and seek medical assistance if needed.