Manila Bulletin – Daily monitoring of satellite data shows air quality in Metro Manila has not returned to normal levels

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has done daily monitoring of satellite data since the Navotas landfill fire reportedly broke out on April 10, 2026. As of April 23, 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 April 6, 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, April 23. 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.