Sumatra haze reaches dangerous levels due to forest fires

Severe haze caused by forest and land fires is impacting several regions in Sumatra, Indonesia. Satellite monitoring by BMKG detected approximately 2,300 hotspots with medium confidence levels in South Sumatra and Jambi.

In South Sumatra, the air quality in Palembang has reached dangerous levels. Specifically, the Sukarami district recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 314, categorized as hazardous, while other areas like Demang Lebar Daun and Universitas Sriwijaya reported very unhealthy conditions. The haze in Palembang is believed to originate from fires in the Ogan Komering Ilir Regency and surrounding areas.

The haze has also spread to West Sumatra, where southeast winds and slowing wind speeds have caused smoke to accumulate rather than disperse. Authorities have warned that air quality in these regions is very unhealthy and have advised residents to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks to protect against pollution.