Muslims gather for rain prayers in Indonesia’s wildfire-hit South Sumatra
Summary
In South Sumatra, Indonesia, wildfires have burned large areas of forest and peatland, causing heavy smoke and haze over cities. To seek relief, about 3,000 Muslims gathered for a special prayer for rain, while authorities continue firefighting efforts and use aircraft to try to create rain.Key Facts
- South Sumatra has the highest number of wildfire hot spots in Indonesia, with 1,429 recorded.
- In July, nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) of land burned, including over 20 square kilometers in South Sumatra.
- About 3,000 people gathered in Palembang for "salat istisqa," an Islamic prayer for rain.
- Thick smoke from the fires reduced visibility and affected daily life in the province.
- Firefighting efforts include cloud seeding, where salt particles are spread into clouds to encourage rain, using 30 aircraft and 22 helicopters.
- The fires are worsened by a strong El Nino weather pattern and a long dry season.
- Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting some fires, and four companies are under investigation for illegal land clearing by fire.
- The haze from the fires reached neighboring countries like Malaysia and Brunei.
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