The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has done daily monitoring of satellite data since the Navotas landfill fire reportedly broke out on 10 April 2026. As of Thursday (23 April), the Bureau of Fire Protection has reported “smoldering conditions” onsite and satellite data show that air quality in Metro Manila has not returned to normal levels. Daily monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration over Metro Manila (taken every 8:45AM), shows that levels are still higher than on 6 April, prior to the fire. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant produced from burning and is a component of smoke.
The map shows the estimated smoke extent over Metro Manila and surrounding provinces at 8:45AM on Thursday, 23 April. Colors indicate the level of concentration of NO2, with darker red colors indicating higher levels of concentration.
Please note that observations were limited to 8:45AM for daily comparison, but NO2 levels generally decrease throughout the day. This pattern is called a diurnal cycle which may be attributed to atmospheric processes such as easterlies, sea breeze and land breeze, and the dissolution of the inversion layer.
PhilSA’s support through the analysis of satellite data provides wide-area coverage that assists the NDRRMC Health Cluster in monitoring the situation and prioritizing areas for response. By making space data accessible to stakeholders, PhilSA enables informed decision-making and strengthens disaster response.
PhilSA will continue daily monitoring of satellite data until the situation normalizes. Please follow local and national health agencies for the latest advisories.
Read this on our website: https://philsa.gov.ph/news/daily-monitoring-of-satellite-data-shows-air-quality-in-metro-manila-has-not-returned-to-normal-levels/
Follow us on social media for the latest updates: https://linktr.ee/philspaceagency
About PhilSA
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is the central government agency of the Philippines that plans, develops, and promotes the national space program in line with the Philippine Space Policy. Created in August 2019 under Republic Act No. 11363, or the Philippine Space Act, PhilSA is an attached agency of the Office of the President of the Philippines for purposes of policy and program coordination and to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities.
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