Channel NewsAsia 18 Jan 14;
SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the likelihood of volcanic ash from Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra affecting Singapore is low.
NEA added the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is expected to remain in the ‘Good’ band.
Mount Sinabung has been in a state of intermittent volcanic activity since 15 September 2013.
NEA said to date, Singapore has not been affected by the volcanic ash from this volcanic activity.
The Meteorological Services Singapore (MSS) has been closely monitoring the situation as volcanic activity has intensified in recent days.
Based on dispersion model simulations by MSS and the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, volcanic ash is expected to move south but will be confined within the northern half of Sumatra over the next one to two days.
NEA said under current conditions, there may be a slight deterioration in air quality should some volcanic ash reach Singapore.
It added the amount of ash that may reach Singapore is likely to be small and the duration relatively short, posing little to no health risk to the public.
MSS will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates on developments.
- CNA/ec
