The number of fire hotspots in Indonesia increased significantly, reaching 1,104 yesterday compared to 270 the previous day. The Forestry Ministry reported that Kalimantan experienced the most severe impact, with Central Kalimantan seeing a rise from 92 to 495 hotspots, while West Kalimantan recorded an increase from 22 to 174. These persistent forest and land fires have resulted in hazardous air quality levels across multiple provinces. In response to the crisis, authorities have deployed 61 aircraft to the affected regions, utilizing 44 for water bombing missions and 17 for aerial patrols and weather modification efforts. The resulting haze has caused substantial disruptions, affecting 2,458 domestic flights. Officials noted that this sharp escalation occurred despite ongoing suppression operations that had previously maintained lower hotspot counts in the region.
Source : Malay Mail
Photo : Malay Mail
