Navotas, Philippines – The Japan International Cooperation Agency is now assisting the Navotas local government unit, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and other government agencies to fully extinguish the fire in parts of the Navotas Sanitary Landfill.
According to JICA, its landfill fire management experts have extensive experience and expertise in handling similar situations.
They said that soil covering, compaction, and cooling of waste masses being carried out at the landfill are effective methods to completely put out the fire.
JICA’s technical and expert team is also conducting field demonstrations at the dumpsite to ensure more effective fire suppression operations and slope stabilization.
At present, additional heavy equipment and soil materials are being deployed at the landfill.
While some sections of the landfill are gradually being covered, fires are still being recorded in certain areas, although smoke emission is already decreasing.
Meanwhile, Punturin Senior High School in Valezuela City has still recorded an “Unhealthy” Air Quality Index (AQI), posing risks due to particulate matter 2.5, which consists of fine particles that can enter the lungs and dangerous for the elderly and other sensitive groups.
Despite this, many areas have already reached a “fair” air quality level, such as Samson Road in Caloocan City and parts of Malabon City.
Areas in Makati, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Quezon City, and San Juan City have recorded “Good” AQI levels.
Meanwhile, Manila, which earlier recorded “Very Unhealthy” air quality, has advised the public to wear face masks and, if possible, stay indoors.