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Indonesia Wildfires May Continue Until Early November Amid Drought
Indonesia is experiencing very large wildfires during an unusually dry period.
The dry weather is linked to a strong El Niño pattern.
Officials now expect the rainy season to arrive in late October or early November.
That means the fires may continue for several more weeks.
Many fires are burning on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Smoke from the fires has made the air unhealthy in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
More than 113,000 people in seven Indonesian provinces reported wildfire-related respiratory illness between September 1 and 9.
The government is using aircraft for water bombing and cloud seeding, and Japan has sent helicopters to help.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said Indonesia’s wildfires could continue until late October or early November.
A delayed rainy season and intense El Niño conditions are prolonging the country’s drought.
Fires have been especially severe on Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia’s most affected islands.
Wildfire-related respiratory illness in seven provinces more than doubled to 113,336 cases from September 1 to 9.
Indonesia deployed more than 50 aircraft, while Japan sent three CH-47 Chinooks to support firefighting operations.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, Indonesian firefighting authorities, residents, farmers, corporations, and Japan’s support teams.
- What
- Indonesia is battling widespread wildfires that may continue until late October or early November.
- Where
- The fires are concentrated especially on Borneo and Sumatra, while smoke has affected Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
- When
- The fires had been burning for weeks, and the minister said dry conditions could last at least another one and a half months.
- Why
- A strong El Niño and delayed rains have created prolonged drought conditions, while officials warned against using fire to clear land.
Key facts
- Expected fire duration
- Until late October or early November
- Weather cause
- Strong El Niño conditions and an extended drought
- Most affected areas
- Borneo and Sumatra
- Respiratory illness cases
- 113,336 cases in seven provinces from September 1 to September 9
- Indonesian firefighting response
- More than 50 aircraft deployed for water bombing and cloud seeding
- International assistance
- Japan sent three CH-47 Chinooks
- Regional impact
- Transboundary haze caused unhealthy air in Malaysia and Singapore
Quotes
Raja Juli Antoni
Indonesia’s forestry minister
“We therefore urge individuals, farmers, and corporations alike to refrain from using fire during this very strong El Nino period.”
NDTV
“These forest and wildfires will remain with us until October or early November.”
NDTV
Sources
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