Indonesians brave choking smoke to pray for rain as country battles wildfires
Huge blazes in central and western regions of Indonesia have scorched wide areas of forests and peatland, creating a choking haze that blanketed some cities.
Indonesia’s South Sumatra province, grappling with the highest number of wildfire hot spots nationwide, resorted to spiritual measures as blazes ravaged forests and peatlands, sending thick smoke that enveloped cities, reducing visibility and endangering public health. Authorities convened a large gathering, comprising approximately 3,000 residents, in the capital of Palembang to perform a special Islamic prayer known as “salat istisqa,” seeking rain to quell the infernos.
Forestry Ministry data revealed that nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) of land were scorched in July alone, including over 20 square kilometers (8 square miles) within South Sumatra province. The gathering was viewed as a complement to ongoing firefighting efforts and drought-mitigation measures, symbolizing unity among residents confronting the environmental crisis.
The Indonesian government, employing weather-modification techniques, deployed 30 aircraft and 22 helicopters across Kalimantan and Sumatra to induce rainfall by dispersing salt particles into clouds. Meanwhile, emergency services and firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the raging fires, primarily fueled by an intensifying El Nino pattern and a prolonged dry season.
Indonesian authorities have arrested 72 individuals suspected of initiating some of the forest and peatland fires, while four companies face investigation for allegedly utilizing fire as a cost-effective land-clearing method.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
