Months-long Indonesia wildfires spew toxic haze across Southeast Asia
Summary
Wildfires in Indonesia, worsened by a strong "super-El Nino" weather pattern, have caused thick toxic haze across Southeast Asia. The haze has led to health problems, school closures, and outdoor activity restrictions in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor.Key Facts
- Wildfires have been burning in Indonesia for months, especially on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
- A severe "super-El Nino" has caused hot and dry conditions, making the fires worse than usual.
- Over 637,000 hectares (about nine times the size of Singapore) were burned from January to August 2026.
- The Southeast Asian meteorological agency raised the haze alert to the highest level (Level 3) due to widespread smoke.
- The haze has caused respiratory health issues and forced school closures in multiple countries.
- Singapore and Kuala Lumpur were ranked among the most polluted cities in the world during the haze.
- Indonesia tried using dry ice dropped by planes to reduce the haze at one airport.
- People in affected countries have called for more action to stop the fires and reduce the haze.
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