‘The physical toll is visceral’: How Indonesia’s fire haze affects millions
Intensified by this year’s super El Niño, fires in Borneo and Sumatra are emitting toxic air for swathes of the population in Indonesia and its neighbours
TL;DR
- Illegal fires, particularly for oil palm plantations, are burning across Indonesian islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
- A 'super' El Niño is exacerbating dry conditions, making fires harder to control and more intense.
- Fires on peatlands are extremely difficult to extinguish, burning underground for weeks and releasing toxic smoke.
- Hazardous air quality is affecting millions in Indonesia and neighboring countries, leading to respiratory illnesses and health crises.
- Schools have closed, and emergency rooms are inundated with patients suffering from smoke-related ailments.
- The fires contribute significantly to global emissions, with Indonesia accounting for over a third of the total in early September.
- Transboundary haze has reached Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines.
- Indonesian authorities are investigating companies and arresting individuals, but enforcement remains challenging.
- International assistance has been offered by Malaysia and Japan.
- Volunteer groups are providing aid, distributing oxygen, and conducting outreach to combat the fires and their effects.