Regional Haze From Indonesian Fires Sustains Unhealthy Air Across Southeast Asia

Smoke emitted from wildfires burning across the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo has drifted across national boundaries, prompting health alerts across the region. According to the South China Morning Post, monitoring service IQAir designated Singapore the most polluted major city globally during the outbreak, which has been exacerbated by an intensified El Nino weather system.¹

Air pollution has remained persistently elevated across Singapore. CNA reported that readings in the western sector reached very unhealthy thresholds, with surrounding regions registering unhealthy measurements. While the National Environment Agency indicated shifting winds and rain might offer intermittent relief, municipal facilities established as haze shelters saw limited public turnout.^5,6,7

Within Indonesia, thick orange smog covered locations such as Palangka Raya, with pollutant concentrations climbing beyond hazardous ratings in Central Kalimantan, according to BBC News and the South China Morning Post. The conditions prompted school closures in portions of neighbouring Malaysia, while Singapore instituted financial subsidies for citizens seeking medical care for haze-related conditions.^1,2,4

To counter the ongoing blazes, Indonesia has employed water bombing, military units and cloud seeding operations, The Guardian reported. In addition, the Indonesian coordinating security minister stated that authorities would deploy an aerial pilot initiative dropping dry ice over the province of South Sumatra in an effort to curb the fires.³