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El Niño Peaks: Indonesia Faces Fierce Wildfire Battle
1 Sep
Summary
- El Niño's peak in September will challenge wildfire containment efforts.
- Fires are largely man-made, with corporations and individuals implicated.
- Haze from Indonesian fires impacts air quality in Malaysia and the Philippines.
Indonesia's efforts to control widespread wildfires face significant challenges as the El Niño weather phenomenon is set to peak in September. Minister Raja Juli Antoni highlighted that the devastation is largely man-made, with individuals and corporations suspected of intentionally starting fires. Despite a reduction in hot spots by the end of August, September is identified as the critical period for the nation's fight against the blazes.
Satellite data indicates that 42 companies hold concessions with high wildfire potential, and authorities have fined six forestry permit holders for their alleged roles, with criminal probes possible. Measures to combat the fires include weather modification to induce rain and "water bombing" of hot spots. However, the resulting haze has severely impacted air quality in neighboring countries, with the Philippines reporting "very unhealthy" levels in Manila and Malaysia's Sarawak state reaching hazardous conditions.
