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Borneo Haze: Babies Fight for Breath
9 Nov
Summary
- Infants struggle with sickness due to toxic air quality.
- Safe houses offer refuge with oxygen tanks and air purifiers.
- Annual wildfires are exacerbated by dry conditions this year.
Residents of Palangkaraya, Indonesia, are facing a severe crisis as months of wildfires blanket the region in toxic haze. Daily life is dictated by air quality checks, with many families sealing their homes and relying on oxygen tanks. Mothers are particularly concerned, with one describing her five-month-old son's persistent illness due to the acrid air, forcing him to remain in a purifier-equipped bedroom.
Volunteer organizations have established 'safe houses' with air purifiers and oxygen supplies to assist vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. These shelters provide critical respite, though they are not a substitute for medical care. The annual wildfires, often started for agricultural purposes, have been worsened this year by unusually dry conditions, leading to vast areas of forest and peatland being burned.
The smoke's impact extends beyond Palangkaraya, affecting millions across Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia, causing school closures and widespread respiratory issues. Despite government efforts, the scale of the problem remains immense, with air quality readings in Palangkaraya frequently exceeding recommended levels by more than twenty times.
