Rawa Kucing Landfill Fire: Adding to the List of High Pollution Contributors
From June to August 2023, 14 landfills have caught fire in Indonesia, with 13 of them located on Java island. This number increased to 15 on October 21, 2023, when the Rawa Kucing landfill in Tangerang ignited.
Seberapa deket sih sama bandara? Itu 07L runway utara lama, 06 dikirinya, 07R, ketutup asap itu final approachnya (plus health hazard).
— Gerry Soejatman (@GerryS) October 21, 2023
Ini anginnya ke arah airport, bubar wis. 🙄
Sekarang sih 07R juga lagi dibuka karena lagi banyak banget arrivalsnya https://t.co/4Z3Q69NRhU pic.twitter.com/3fQemtM0Jl
After fires at the Sarimukti landfill, Jatiwaringin landfill, and other major landfills, it's now Rawa Kucing's turn. Firefighting efforts are still ongoing as this article is published.
The Rawa Kucing Landfill Fire Increases Air Pollution in Nearby Areas
From satellite observations, the Nafas team detected smoke movements predominantly heading westward.
Over the days it was burning, there were times when the wind direction changed, affecting areas around the fire source in Tangerang, including the airport area.
This indicates that the Rawa Kucing landfill fire could potentially make a significant contribution to pollution levels, affecting the air quality in surrounding areas. Some regions in the Jabodetabek vicinity are categorized as 'Unhealthy' (red) or even 'Very Unhealthy' (purple).
There's potential for air pollution contribution from the Rawa Kucing landfill fire towards the western side of Jabodetabek and other regions following the wind direction.
The Rawa Kucing landfill fire is an unforeseen disaster. Therefore, it's crucial to take preventive or protective measures immediately, especially if you live or frequently operate around the fire location.
Tips to Reduce Pollution Exposure from Landfill Fire Smoke
1. Check the air quality on the Nafas app before engaging in outdoor activities.
2. Wear a mask if you have to go outside. The recommended mask is a respiratory type like N/KN95.
3. Stay indoors if the air pollution level is high.
4. Boost your immunity with a regular sleep pattern, healthy food, and exercise when the air quality is good.
✅ Hopefully, the Rawa Kucing landfill fire can be extinguished soon. Local residents should be alert as the air quality can change rapidly depending on atmospheric conditions and pollution sources!
