Taiwan Faces Unhealthy Air Quality: Northern Regions and Outlying Islands Impacted

Northeasterly Winds Bring Particulate Matter, Triggering Air Quality Alerts Across the Island and Outlying Regions

Taipei, April 13 – The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) in Taiwan issued red "unhealthy" air quality alerts on Sunday morning for Taipei, New Taipei, and the outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands. This was due to northeasterly winds transporting particulate matter from mainland China.

According to the MOENV's Air Quality Monitoring Network, red levels, indicating "unhealthy" conditions, were observed at monitoring stations in Shimen and Wanli districts of New Taipei, and Songshan District in Taipei as of 9 a.m. The alerts also extended to Taiwan's outlying Kinmen County and Matsu islands (Lienchiang County).

The air quality network also reported widespread "orange" status conditions, signifying air quality "unhealthy for sensitive groups," across several cities and counties, including Hsinchu, Miaoli, Yunlin, Chiayi, Nantou, Yilan, Hualien, and Penghu.

Forecasts suggest that PM10 concentrations in northern Taiwan could reach 200 to 300 micrograms per cubic meter on Sunday, while PM2.5 levels may hit 30 to 40 micrograms per cubic meter.

The MOENV announced that it had alerted local environmental protection bureaus to activate emergency response measures, such as enhanced pollution controls at major factories and construction sites.

The ministry also advised the public to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks when outside.

The MOENV attributed the poor air quality to a dust storm in Inner Mongolia on Friday, which had blown particulate matter eastward, with the northeasterly winds subsequently carrying these particles to Taiwan.