Air quality warnings have been raised to red alert in the southern regions of Taiwan, with Kinmen and Matsu islands also continuing to be affected by the heavy smog along China's coast. The Environmental Ministry reported on Monday that due to lesser wind speeds allowing pollutants to accumulate easily, the public should take precautions when going outdoors.
The Environmental Ministry stated that local governments have been notified to reduce emissions and coordinate with Taipower and private coal-fired power plants to reduce coal-fired power generation. According to statistics, the load reduction of Taichung, Mailiao, Xingda, and Xiehe power plants totals 230 million kilowatt-hours, reducing emissions by about 90 metric tons, which is approximately equivalent to 1.6 million households for 50 days.
Air quality in the northern and central regions is expected to return to normal levels early in the week after overseas smog subsides. Taiwan’s southern region and Kinmen and Matsu islands will remain on red alert until forecasts bring wind.