Indonesia's Wildfires May Last Until Early November, Says Forestry Minister
Indonesia's Forestry Minister warns that wildfires exacerbated by 'super El Nino' conditions may persist until November. The government is urging citizens and corporations to avoid land-clearing fires as respiratory illnesses rise.
Why it matters
The prolonged wildfire season poses significant health risks to the region and highlights the impact of climate-driven weather patterns on Southeast Asia.
Indonesia's wildfires could go on until early November with the rainy season expected to arrive late, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni told local media on Wednesday, as he urged people to stop using fire to clear land during an extended drought.Indonesia is battling its most intense wildfires in 11 years, with "super El Nino" weather conditions parching the country's forests and fields.Fires have been raging for weeks, especially on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
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