Indonesia ablaze for weeks as toxic haze threatens millions of residents

For several weeks, massive fires have been spreading across Indonesia, causing a serious air pollution crisis and blanketing entire regions in dense, toxic haze.

The situation is most alarming in Sumatra and Kalimantan, the Indonesian territory on the island of Borneo, where millions of people are breathing polluted air.

Reports from the affected areas indicate that thousands of people have sought medical assistance due to respiratory problems and infections. Meanwhile, authorities are struggling to bring the fires under control.

Footage released from Kalimantan shows powerful flames engulfing forested areas, while helicopters are being used to drop water on areas where the fires remain active.

Smoke from the fires has also engulfed cities and residential areas, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting residents’ daily lives.

The effects have spread beyond Indonesia’s borders, with haze and polluted air also reaching other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and the Philippines.

Emergency teams and authorities are continuing efforts to extinguish the fires, but millions of people remain exposed to the effects of air pollution.

The risk is particularly high for children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems, as the fires have continued unabated for weeks.