Fire haze threatens health of millions in Indonesia, ministry warns
Millions of Indonesians risk health complications from exposure to thick haze covering several cities and towns, officials said Wednesday, as El Niño-fueled wildfires wreak havoc on Borneo and Sumatra.
Millions of Indonesians face health risks from thick haze, officials warn. El Niño-driven wildfires have ravaged Borneo and Sumatra, causing school closures and thousands needing medical care. Over 3.4 million people in seven provinces on the two islands are at risk of respiratory infections. Thick smog in Pekanbaru, Sumatra's capital, has forced schools to close and residents to stay indoors.
In Jambi, a local government ordered homeschooling for children due to the haze. The health ministry has distributed over 260,000 face masks to affected areas. President Prabowo Subianto believes the situation is improving, aiming for resolution within two weeks. Most fires are attributed to slash-and-burn practices. Over 200,000 hectares have burned since January, more than previous El Niño seasons.
The El Niño weather pattern impacts global winds, pressure, and rainfall. Malaysians are ready to aid Indonesia's firefighting efforts. Malaysia's air quality, sharing the same islands with Indonesia, has worsened, leading to school closures.
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