El Nino triggers extreme weather and wildfires across Pacific region

A record-breaking El Nino event is driving extreme weather patterns across the Pacific region. Experts warn that this warming phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) could make 2027 the hottest year on record, acting as a temporary intensification of long-term climate change.

In Indonesia, the El Nino-driven dry season has contributed to significant wildfire activity. In South Papua, the clearance of lowland forests for agriculture has created dangerous fire hotspots. Nationwide, an estimated 103,000 hectares of land burned during the first half of 2026, with risks expected to rise.

Conversely, parts of the West Papua highlands have experienced rare snowfall and ice, which can lead to crop failure and food insecurity. Meanwhile, other areas of New Guinea, including Papua New Guinea, are facing severe drought conditions due to the weather pattern.