06-20-2013, 10:19 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22982018
20 June 2013 Last updated at 09:27 GMT
Singapore smog 'could last for weeks'
Singapore's prime minister has warned that the haze engulfing the city could last for weeks, as air pollution in the city-state soared to record levels.
At 13:00 local time (05:00 GMT) Singapore's pollution standards index reached 371, breaking all previous records and reaching hazardous levels.
The haze is caused by illegal forest fires in Indonesia's Sumatra island.
The issue has sparked accusations between the two neighbours over who is responsible for the smog.
Environment officials from the two nations are holding an emergency meeting in Jakarta today.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's Environment and Water Resources Minister, wrote on his Facebook wall that he would demand "definitive action" from Jakarta.
"No country or corporation has the right to pollute the air at the expense of Singaporeans' health and wellbeing," he said.
However, Indonesian Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono said that Singapore was "behaving like a child".
"This is not what the Indonesian nation wants, it is because of nature," he said
'Cloud seeding'
Since the haze arrived, Singapore's buildings have been obscured by the polluted air and the smell of burnt wood has permeated the city-state.
A PSI reading above 200 indicates "very unhealthy" air, while a PSI score above 300 is "hazardous". Readings are being posted on the website of the National Environment Agency
20 June 2013 Last updated at 09:27 GMT
Singapore smog 'could last for weeks'
Singapore's prime minister has warned that the haze engulfing the city could last for weeks, as air pollution in the city-state soared to record levels.
At 13:00 local time (05:00 GMT) Singapore's pollution standards index reached 371, breaking all previous records and reaching hazardous levels.
The haze is caused by illegal forest fires in Indonesia's Sumatra island.
The issue has sparked accusations between the two neighbours over who is responsible for the smog.
Environment officials from the two nations are holding an emergency meeting in Jakarta today.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's Environment and Water Resources Minister, wrote on his Facebook wall that he would demand "definitive action" from Jakarta.
"No country or corporation has the right to pollute the air at the expense of Singaporeans' health and wellbeing," he said.
However, Indonesian Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono said that Singapore was "behaving like a child".
"This is not what the Indonesian nation wants, it is because of nature," he said
'Cloud seeding'
Since the haze arrived, Singapore's buildings have been obscured by the polluted air and the smell of burnt wood has permeated the city-state.
A PSI reading above 200 indicates "very unhealthy" air, while a PSI score above 300 is "hazardous". Readings are being posted on the website of the National Environment Agency