Indonesia is battling its most intense wildfire season in more than a decade, with thick and toxic haze covering parts of Borneo and Sumatra.
More than 12.5 million people across seven provinces have been exposed to dangerous air pollution as fires continue to spread in several areas.
Health authorities are also reporting a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses linked to the wildfires. More than 113,000 cases had been recorded by September ninth, more than double the number reported previously.
The worsening air quality is creating serious health concerns, particularly for children, older people and those with existing respiratory problems.
The smoke has also crossed national borders, affecting neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore and raising wider concerns over air quality across Southeast Asia.
Indonesian authorities have deployed aircraft, medical teams and oxygen supplies as they work to treat affected communities and contain the fires.
Japan has also sent helicopters to support Indonesia’s firefighting operations, adding international assistance as the country confronts the worsening wildfire emergency.
With fires continuing to threaten large areas, authorities are facing pressure to control the flames, protect public health and reduce the impact of the toxic haze.
