By Alec Go
Classes in all levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) have been suspended on Friday, Sept. 22, due to smog formation.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said this is based on the announcement of all local government units in NCR.
Local governments announced as early as Friday morning the suspension of classes in all levels due to the smog being experienced in the region.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said the smog over Metro Manila is different from the volcanic smog (vog) of Taal Volcano.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said the condition in Metro Manila is caused by thermal inversion, which the state weather bureau PAGASA said “occurs when layers of the atmosphere don’t mix causing aerosols to get trapped.”
“‘Yung temperatura po dapat ‘yung hangin, habang tumataas ang altitude papunta sa kalawakan ay mas malamig. Pero ‘yung malamig na hangin na ‘yun ay nasa ibabaw lamang,” he said in PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
“Kaya ‘yung mga smoke at fog — ‘yung smoke dahil sa exhaust ng mga sasakyan, ‘yung pollution — imbis na umanagt at mag-disprese at hindi ummanagat dahil natutulak ng malamig na hangin pababa,” he added.
The public has been advised to wear face masks when going outdoors. – gb
