A health warning has been issued for Melbourne residents as the city is engulfed in smoke from the Otways bushfire. The air quality in Melbourne has deteriorated to alarming levels, with the city's air ranked as the sixth worst in the world for major cities as of 12:30 pm on Sunday, according to IQAir, an air quality monitoring website.
The Victorian Emergency Management (Vic Emergency) has advised vulnerable individuals to stay indoors and limit physical activity due to the lingering smoke, which may persist for several hours. The situation is particularly dire in Sunbury, located in Melbourne's northwest, where the air quality has been rated as 'Extremely Poor' since 9 am, the highest on the scale.
The bushfire, known as the Carlisle River fire, is rapidly spreading and has already reached a distance of 1 kilometre from the community of Gellibrand. An Emergency Warning is in place, indicating the potential for homes to be impacted at any time. The strong smell of smoke has permeated Melbourne, causing many drivers to use their headlights on hazy freeways.
Social media users have shared images of the hazy skyline, highlighting the extent of the smoke's reach. Vic Emergency has identified those most sensitive to smoke as individuals with heart or lung conditions, including asthma, people over the age of 65, infants and children, and pregnant women. Symptoms of smoke irritation may include itchy eyes, sore throat, runny nose, and coughing.
Healthy adults typically experience symptom relief after short exposure to smoke once they move away from the source. However, some individuals may experience worsening symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. People with pre-existing health conditions are advised to take their medication, follow their treatment plans, and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms persist.
While the Otways region may see some improvement in conditions today, extreme heat is expected to return on Tuesday, adding to the challenges faced by Melbourne residents.
