Borneo's toxic haze crisis

Indonesian wildfires are choking Southeast Asia with toxic smoke, causing health emergencies and desperate pleas for rain.

Oct 20, 2026

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Borneo's toxic haze crisis

Indonesian wildfires are choking Southeast Asia with toxic smoke, causing health emergencies and desperate pleas for rain.

In brief

Indonesian wildfires are choking Southeast Asia with toxic smoke, causing health emergencies and desperate pleas for rain. Indonesian wildfires have burned 1.9 million hectares since January, causing over 277,000 respiratory cases across Southeast Asia. Originally reported by BBC News.

Borneo's toxic haze

Borneo's toxic haze

Indonesian wildfires have burned 1.9 million hectares since January, creating toxic smoke that blankets southeast asia.

Health crisis deepens

Health crisis deepens

Over 277,000 people in southeast asia have suffered respiratory issues, including 62,000 infants under five.

Mother's fear

Mother's fear

Dianyra Eka Nastiti worries her child's cough could worsen, fearing hospitalization after a month and a half old.

“Sometimes at night my baby's chest makes a rattling sound”

Peat fires threaten health

Peat fires threaten health

Toxic smoke from peat fires contains microparticles that cause lung inflammation and increased risk of premature death.

Government response

Indonesia deployed 60,000 personnel claiming 80% success in extinguishing new fires through land operations.

Firefighters' struggle

Firefighters face water shortages as peatland fires require months to extinguish, unlike regular land fires.

New fire zones

New fire zones

Fires are spreading into areas with no history of fire, creating unprecedented environmental damage.

Desperate plea for rain

Residents hope for heavy rain to extinguish fires, as drought conditions worsen the crisis.

Health risks

Children, older adults, and pregnant women face heightened health risks from prolonged exposure to toxic smoke.

Community resilience

Community resilience

Residents endure harsh conditions, balancing work, health, and family needs despite government warnings to stay indoors.

At a glance

Indonesian wildfires have burned 1.9 million hectares since January, causing over 277,000 respiratory cases across Southeast Asia.

Read the original on BBC News

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