# Borneo's toxic haze crisis

> Indonesian wildfires are choking Southeast Asia with toxic smoke, causing health emergencies and desperate pleas for rain.
- Title: Borneo's toxic haze crisis · BBC News | Shortify
- Summary: Indonesian wildfires are choking Southeast Asia with toxic smoke, causing health emergencies and desperate pleas for rain. Indonesian wildfires have burned…
- Keywords: indonesia, borneo, toxic haze, wildfires, respiratory health, central kalimantan, palangkaraya, peat fires, smoke, health crisis, southeast asia, news
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqm2dzwdmmywo
- Published: 2026-10-20T23:51:43.698+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: indonesia, borneo, toxic haze, wildfires, respiratory health, central kalimantan, palangkaraya, peat fires, smoke, health crisis, southeast asia, news
## Borneo's toxic haze
Indonesian wildfires have burned 1.9 million hectares since January, creating toxic smoke that blankets southeast asia.
## Health crisis deepens
Over 277,000 people in southeast asia have suffered respiratory issues, including 62,000 infants under five.
## 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
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
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
Residents endure harsh conditions, balancing work, health, and family needs despite government warnings to stay indoors.
## Key takeaway

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