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● TRACKER Updated 6d ago · 23 sources tracked

Toxic wildfire haze spreads across South East Asia as 'super' El Niño intensifies

Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires is spreading across Southeast Asia, forcing schools in South Sumatra to switch to remote learning. This environmental crisis follows a pattern of recurring transboundary pollution that affects multiple neighboring countries. While the region has spent decades attempting to address the issue, current plumes are again dominating headlines and prompting calls for stronger accountability and prevention measures through ASEAN cooperation.

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  • ✓ Forest fires in Indonesia are producing toxic haze that drifts into neighboring countries.
  • ✓ Southeast Asia has spent decades attempting to tackle recurrent haze from forest fires.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 23 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Schools in South Sumatra have transitioned to remote learning as haze worsens.

Live updates

  1. Indonesian forest fires drive toxic haze across Southeast Asia

    Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires is spreading across Southeast Asia, forcing schools in South Sumatra to switch to remote learning. This environmental crisis follows a pattern of recurring transboundary pollution that affects multiple neighboring countries. While the region has spent decades attempting to address the issue, current plumes are again dominating headlines and prompting calls for stronger accountability and prevention measures through ASEAN cooperation.

    Why it matters

    The region faces a recurring cycle of forest fires that create transboundary environmental problems every few years. Previous reports linked the current intensity to a super El Nino event. These fires impact public health and education across the Southeast Asian bloc.

    What is confirmed

    • Forest fires in Indonesia are producing toxic haze that drifts into neighboring countries.
    • Southeast Asia has spent decades attempting to tackle recurrent haze from forest fires.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The haze is the result of a deliberate crime.

    What to watch next

    • ASEAN decisions on regional accountability and prevention measures
    • Updates on school closures in South Sumatra
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. asiatimes.com — The deliberate crime of Indonesia’s toxic haze
    2. theconversation.com — Why does Southeast Asia keep breathing the same haze — and can ASEAN do more to stop it?
    3. Phys.org — Why does Southeast Asia keeps breathing the same haze—and can ASEAN do more to stop it?
    4. apnews.com — More schools close in Indonesia due to worsening haze from forest fires
    confidence 90%

  2. Toxic wildfire haze spreads across South East Asia

    Toxic wildfire haze from Indonesia has spread across South East Asia, forcing 1.4 million students into remote learning and prompting Malaysia to declare an emergency in Sarawak's Serian district due to hazardous air pollution levels. The haze is attributed to 'super' El Niño intensifying wildfires in Indonesia.

    Why it matters

    The wildfires in Indonesia have been exacerbated by the 'super' El Niño weather phenomenon, leading to severe haze and air pollution across the region. The situation is critical, with millions affected and flights cancelled.

    What is confirmed

    • 1.4 million Indonesian students have been forced into remote learning due to wildfire haze.
    • The area affected by Indonesia's wildfires is four times the size of Singapore.
    • Indonesia's pollution index hit 1,023, with Kalimantan experiencing the worst haze.

    What to watch next

    • Further updates on the severity of the wildfires and their impact on air quality.
    • Indonesia's efforts to contain the wildfires and mitigate the effects of El Niño.
    • Malaysia's response to the ongoing haze crisis.
    Sources used for this update (22)
    1. BBC — Toxic wildfire haze spreads across South East Asia as 'super' El Niño intensifies
    2. Reuters — Explainer: How severe are Indonesia's wildfires?
    3. Al Jazeera — ‘Everything is covered in ash’: Indonesia wildfires leave people in crisis
    4. The Mighty 790 KFGO — Wildfire haze forces 1.4 million Indonesian students into remote learning
    5. U.S. News & World Report — Reducing Indonesia Wildfires Will Be Challenging as El Niño Peaks This Month, Minister Warns
    6. Reuters — Indonesia inspects 19 companies linked to wildfires, official says
    7. NASA Earthdata (.gov) — Wildland Fires in Indonesia, August 2026
    8. South China Morning Post — Indonesian wildfire haze forces 1.4 million students to move to online learning
    9. Tech Times — Indonesia Pollution Index Hits 1,023: Worst Kalimantan Haze Sends Millions of Students Online
    10. NASA Science (.gov) — Peatland Fires Darken Skies in Indonesia
    11. eumetsat.int — Image of the week: Fires in southern Borneo
    12. BBC — Indonesia wildfire live updates: Toxic haze spreads as 'super' El Niño intensifies
    confidence 90%
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