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Tegucigalpa, May 9 (RHC)-- The Government of Honduras has issued an emergency red alert on Tuesday in Tegucigalpa for an indefinite period due to pollution caused by the dense layer of smoke in the city, while a green prevention alert was issued in the rest of the country.

In a statement, the Secretary of State for National Risk and Contingency Management Offices issued a red alert due to the "high atmospheric pollution and poor air quality, the product of a dense layer of smoke that affects the health of the capital's population." 

It was indicated that the green alert will be maintained throughout the country for an indeterminate period to monitor the phenomenon and the health of the population.

According to the institution, the layer of smoke that covers Tegucigalpa is due to the "burning or preparation of plots for agriculture throughout the Mesoamerican region, some forest fires, pollution from vehicle exhaust or combustion, and gas emissions." of the industry."

Added to this is the presence of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone nitrous, which are generated by the transportation sector and which "are highly harmful to the health of the population," he added.

The layer of smoke, in combination with high temperatures, reduces visibility, which has led to the temporary closure of Toncontín airport since Thursday.  According to the Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency (AHAC), international standards prohibit the landing or takeoff of an airplane in conditions of visibility less than three kilometers.

"The smoke will remain indefinitely until there is a change in the wind pattern, the atmosphere over the region is less stable and the rainy season begins," according to reports from the Environmental Risk Directorate, the Center for Atmospheric Studies. , Oceanographic and Seismic, and the Early Warning System.

The Government of Tegucigalpa ordered the suspension of classes and requested that public employees work from home from Tuesday to Thursday.