Photos by Elhanan Pamesa

By Percy Roxas and Elhanan Pamesa

Residents of Olongapo City on Thursday (Sept. 7) expressed alarm over the thick haze that obscured their surroundings, raising concerns about overall air quality in the city.

“I started noticing the dense haze at approximately 2:30 p.m.,” said Traffic Officer Vequizo, who was assigned to Wesley Street, East Tapinac.

A parking attendant said he saw the haze between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

“The haze had been steadily building throughout the day,” he said.

The situation prompted the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to issue a public announcement this afternoon.

According to Carlo Elepongga, head of the CDRRMO research division, consultations with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration and the Subic Bay International Airport Station revealed that Olongapo City was experiencing a meteorological phenomenon known as “temperature inversion.”

Temperature inversion, said Elepongga, occurs when a layer of cool air settles at the surface, overlain by a layer of warmer air. 

“This weather condition can lead to reduced visibility due to the trapped pollutants and particles,” Elepongga noted.

Elepongga reminded residents to stay informed and be prepared for any potential health hazards that the meteorological phenomenon might pose.

Residents and locators inside the Subic Bay Freeport also reported noticing the haze on the same day. FREEPORT INSIDER