A hazy shade of pale in Sumatra

The thickening haze that is darkening the skies over parts of Sumatra has disrupted flight schedules at the airports in Padang and Palembang.

Local stations of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) have issued warnings about the thickening haze, caused by the forest fires that have broken out in several places in South Sumatra, Jambi and Riau over the past few days.

The haze in Padang has exceeded the acceptable level and is therefore dangerous for the human respiratory system, Amarizal, head of information and observation at the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) Tabing Station in West Sumatra, warned Thursday.

Jakarta Post - 9 Aug 08

Its disconcerting to read about the haze when I'll be heading to Padang/Bukit Tinggi next week. No doubt I got an unbeatable US$60 return flight with Tiger Air, but wearing a face mask and cycling is not exactly the best combination. Its still a couple of days but I'm praying and hoping it'll be alright. Perhaps the rains will come soon to clear the haze a bit.

I still don't understand why people cannot take care of this beautiful world that has been given for us to enjoy! Meanwhile, its comforting to know that He who holds everything in His hands, is always in control, in His own perfect time.

.

Corrinne May, S'porean composer and singer, captures this truth so nicely...

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens Ecc 3:1