28 Jul 2017 | 01:03 PM UTC
Indonesia: High risk of forest fire and haze during dry season
High risk of forest fires and subsequent haze during dry season; respiratory problems possible
Event
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency warned of an escalating threat of forest fires as the dry season is expected to peak in August and September. Aceh province (Sumatra island) is already affected by smoke emanating from fires, producing haze and prompting respiratory problems amongst the local population.
Context
In January 2017, Indonesia's western province of Riau declared a state of emergency to prevent against forest and land fires (and the resulting severe haze) ahead of what is expected to be significantly drier weather in 2017, as compared to 2016.
Indonesia suffered its worst forest fires in 2015, hitting mainly the island of Sumatra and Kalimantan, the Indonesian half of Borneo Island.
Advice
Individuals present in these areas are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities and to monitor any developments to the situation.
