More than 170,000 respiratory cases recorded in haze-choked Indonesia

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Indonesia Wildfires Trigger Respiratory Crisis

   Indonesia records more than 170,000 respiratory illness cases as toxic haze blankets the region from severe wildfires. Millions of residents breathe polluted air after months of burning, prompting evacuations and straining healthcare resources. Women volunteers in Borneo battle the blazes, which rank as the worst in 11 years. Meanwhile, fires threaten local infrastructure, forcing hospital evacuations. The recurring disaster also poses economic risks to the banking sector.

   Why it matters

   Sumatra and Borneo face recurring annual fires that produce dense, toxic haze affecting millions of people. The ongoing blazes have created severe environmental and health challenges, worsened by worsening air quality. The crisis highlights persistent regional challenges in managing agricultural clearing and fire prevention.

   What is confirmed

   • More than 170,000 respiratory cases are recorded in haze-choked Indonesia.
   • Women volunteers in Borneo are battling the worst wildfires in 11 years.
   • Almost 170 patients were evacuated from a hospital threatened by Indonesia wildfires.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The wildfire disaster risks a banking-sector hangover.

   What to watch next

   • Air quality index reports and updated respiratory illness case numbers
   • Government containment efforts on Sumatra and Borneo
   • Hospital status and patient safety updates in fire-affected zones
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. BBC — More than 170,000 respiratory cases recorded in haze-choked Indonesia
   2. Reuters — The women volunteers of Borneo battling the worst wildfires in 11 years
   3. CNA — ‘Fire after fire’: What Sumatra reveals about Indonesia’s recurring haze problem
   4. South China Morning Post — The women fighting Indonesia’s wildfires
   5. The Independent — Almost 170 patients evacuated from hospital threatened by Indonesia wildfires
   6. Currently.com — Indonesia records 170,000 respiratory illness cases amid worsening air quality from wildfires
   7. The New York Times — Millions in Indonesia Breathe In Toxic Haze From Months of Wildfires
   8. intellinews.com — Indonesia’s wildfire disaster risks a banking-sector hangover
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