The haze situation in Riau in Sumatra has taken a turn for the worse with the Air Pollutants Index in its capital Pekanbaru reaching 300 yesterday, which is hazardous to human health.

Riau Health Department Environment Division head Dewani was quoted as saying by Indonesia’s Antara news agency that the people had been advised to take the necessary precautions.

Dewani said the department was also working closely with the province’s disaster management agency to mitigate the problem.

The city’s airport was also reported to enveloped in haze yesterday morning, causing some 10 flights to be diverted, but the situation returned to normal later.

- Bernama