In brief
Since August the wildfires in Indonesia have poured toxic smoke into the skies over Southeast Asia, causing widespread respiratory illness. Around 175,000 people have reported breathing difficulties, from coughing to severe asthma. The haze has spread quickly due to peatland fires and atmospheric conditions that funnel the smoke westward. Governments are tightening fire bans and urging residents to use masks and air purifiers while long‑term land‑management solutions are being explored.
Since August, the destructive blaze in Indonesia has sent toxic smoke across the region, pushing air‑quality indexes for Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore into the “unhealthy” range.
Health experts say the haze has already afflicted roughly 175,000 people with respiratory illnesses, ranging from coughing and wheezing to severe asthma attacks.
BBC’s Liza Tambunan explains how the ash and fine particulate matter fallout from the fires spreads, why it so rapidly impacts health, and what steps Indonesia and neighboring governments are taking to curb the crisis.
- Open‑burn peatlands and slash‑burn farming release massive amounts of fine particles.
- The mountains act as a chimney, propelling haze over sea into urban centers.
- Air‑quality advisories urge residents to stay indoors with masks and air‑purifiers.
- Governments are working on enforcement of fire bans and sustainable land‑management practices.