Vientiane (VNA) – Many schools in Laos have beenclosed as the country is experiencing unprecedented high levels of PM2.5 - airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter - due to wildfires andfarmers burning scrubland in preparation for crop planting.

All kindergartens in the northern provinces of Bokeoand Xayaboury have been forced to close, while the closure is imposed for allschools in Thaphabat district in the central province of Bolikhamxay from March28-31.

Air pollution has also impacted domestic tourismas a number of visitors have either cancelled their bookings or shortened theirvacations. Some flights to northern Laos have also been delayed or cancelled due to theissue.

Phu Chi Fa National Park in Thailand’s Chiang Raiprovince has been closed to tourists after being ravaged by a forest fire thatspread over the border from Laos. Earlier, the Thai province of Nong Khai whichborders Vientiane also sprayed water in a bid to lessen thick smog.

Given this, the Lao Ministry of Health has advised people to limit outdoor activities, saying pregnant woman,children and elderly people, and people with a chronic respiratory disease, shouldstay indoors as much as possible.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has urgedcentral and local authorities to quickly control and extinguish wildfires inresponse to the serious pollution in many areas across the country.

He alsorequested relevant ministries to take urgent actions to prevent pollution fromaffecting the public’s health, the national economy, and the tourism industry./.