East Timor shuts schools for three days as haze from Indonesian forest fires blankets Dili

DILI, October 15 — In response to a thick haze originating from Indonesian forest fires, East Timor has initiated a three-day school closure. The capital city, Dili, witnessed a normal day with residents donning masks as advised by the government. The decision was met with approval, although residents acknowledged that the air pollution had been particularly intense earlier in the week.

Midwife Sonya da Costa Soares, a 30-year-old resident, highlighted the severity of the pollution, stating, "Recently, the pollution in Dili has been very severe. We can’t see the sun, the pollution is heavy." She emphasized the importance of keeping students indoors to avoid potential health risks. Indonesia's forest fires, exacerbated by a severe El Nino drought this year, have burned through vast areas of forest and plantations in Sumatra, Borneo, and Papua, leading to elevated air pollution levels not only in East Timor but also in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The East Timor government announced the school closure on Wednesday, citing the need to safeguard the health of students, teachers, and other educational personnel amidst the current air quality conditions. They advised families to keep children indoors and use masks if they must go out. Despite the closure, students like 18-year-old Vitaliano da Costa Calapes, a St. Ignatius Loyola College student, were preparing for their upcoming exams, determined to continue studying remotely despite the challenging circumstances.

Meanwhile, mother Felicidade Alves dos Santos Martins expressed her concern over the worsening pollution, recalling the dense haze that enveloped Dili and the surrounding mountains earlier in the week, warning of its potential health hazards.