Indonesia battles worst wildfires in 11 years as haze hits neighbours
INDONESIA is battling its most intense wildfires in 11 years, with more than 12.5 million people exposed to hazardous haze and wildfire-related respiratory illnesses more than doubling in nine days, as neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore also experie...
Indonesia is grappling with its most severe wildfires in 11 years, with respiratory illness cases more than doubling in just nine days, according to health ministry data. Over 12.5 million people across Borneo and Sumatra islands are exposed to hazardous haze, causing breathing difficulties and respiratory issues. Pontianak, on Borneo island, has experienced the worst effects, with residents limiting outdoor activities due to the thickening haze and rising pollution levels.
Despite wearing masks, the air quality remains hazardous, forcing individuals to labor for breath. Volunteers are distributing oxygen cylinders to those in need, as visits to public health clinics for respiratory issues have surged. The fires, intensified by "super El Niño" weather conditions, have scorched more than 202,000 hectares of land since January, with another 600,000 hectares damaged in August.
Indonesia has deployed over 50 aircraft and even sent helicopters from Japan to combat the blazes, with smoke from these fires affecting neighboring Singapore and Malaysia, worsening air quality in those countries.
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