Recent Natural Disasters | Calamities | Hazards

State of emergency has been declared in Malaysia after the air pollutant index (API) reached 16-years-high. Malaysian government declared a state of emergency today in Muar and Ledang districts after the air pollutant index (API) hit 750 in Muar. Malaysian authorities have already closed all 221 schools in Muar and Ledang for two days due to health hazards. Similarly the Department of Environment has also issued a ban against open burning activities in Selangor, Malacca and Johor until further notice. During 1997-1998 haze, the air pollutant index (API) reached 860. Hazardous haze in Malaysia and Singapore have been caused by continued uncontrolled burning from plantation cultivation in Indonesia. 2013 Singapore haze is said to be worst in its history. Original post: Natural Disasters List June 23, 2013

A large-scale air quality disaster has hit Singapore and Malaysia. In Singapore, haze at 12 p.m. on 21 June 2013 reached 401 making a record of worst in its history. Singapore haze 2013 is caused by continued uncontrolled burning from plantation cultivation in Indonesia. The photo below by AFP shows city skyline shrouded by haze in Singapore (June 20, 2013) and same view on a clear day (April 13, 2012).   In Singapore, the Ministry of Education has announced closure of all school activities in the month of June. According to the Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, a task force comprising 23 agencies is made to deal with the situation and draw up contingency plans. The McDonald's fast-food chain has also temporarily stopped delivering food in Singapore. State of emergency has been declared in Malaysia after the air pollutant index (API) reached 16-years-high. Malaysian authorities have closed all 221 schools in Muar and Ledang for two days du