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Southeast Asia faces El Niño-driven drought and wildfires
Southeast Asia is facing severe weather challenges driven by the El Niño phenomenon. In Indonesia, extreme drought has triggered widespread wildfires, with approximately 96% of active hotspots occurring on palm oil plantations. The situation is particularly critical on Borneo, where drained peatlands are experiencing difficult-to-extinguish underground fires. In response, authorities have deployed 59,000 personnel to combat the flames and are investigating roughly 200 individuals for potential arson. The resulting toxic haze is affecting neighboring Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore.
Meteorological agencies predict that while the El Niño phenomenon may persist until early 2027, Indonesia's drought threat is expected to subside with the arrival of the rainy season between October and December 2026. In Bali, some areas have recorded extreme dry spells, with Sumberklampok Village reaching 123 consecutive days without rain. Meanwhile, Malaysia is also bracing for increased risks of heatwaves, water shortages, and transboundary haze through April 2027.
Entities
BMKG · Bali · Bayu Dwi Apri Nugroho · Borneo · El Niño · El Niño · FAO · FORTASBI · Gunung Mas · Indonesia · Malaysia · MetMalaysia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A long drought since July 2026 has caused drastic reductions in pond water levels in Gunung Mas.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Indonesia's drought threat is predicted to end with the rainy season starting between October and December 2026. www.antarafoto.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The El Nino phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean is predicted to persist until the first quarter of 2027. www.antarafoto.com · www.malay.news · malaysiatribune.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The average three-month ENSO index for the July-August-September period was at level +2.63.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The delay in the rainy season will cause planting schedules to shift, subsequently delaying harvest times.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 87.53% of Indonesia's territory experienced low rainfall categories in the second ten-day period of September.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The accumulated indicative area of burned land in Indonesia reached 667,133 hectares as of August 20, 2026. www.infosawit.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The longest period without rain in Bali reached 123 days in Sumberklampok Village, Buleleng Regency. news.harianjogja.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] More than 59,000 personnel have been deployed to combat fires and mitigate smoke in Indonesia. ciudadmcy.info.ve · www.noticias24hrs.com.ve
- [● 2 SOURCES] Drained peatlands in Borneo make firefighting efforts extremely difficult due to underground burning. ciudadmcy.info.ve · www.noticias24hrs.com.ve
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities are investigating approximately 200 people for allegedly causing the fires. ciudadmcy.info.ve · www.noticias24hrs.com.ve
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 96% of active fire hotspots in Indonesia are located on palm oil plantations. ciudadmcy.info.ve · www.noticias24hrs.com.ve