Indonesia Wildfires Surge: 1,201 Hotspots Trigger Hazardous Haze Across Sumatra, Kalimantan | World

Indonesia is battling widespread forest and land fires, with 1,201 high-confidence hotspots recorded nationwide on October 6, according to Indonesia's Forestry Ministry.The latest fire activity is concentrated particularly across Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra, while smoke and haze continue to affect parts of Indonesia and neighbouring countries.The fires are also raising serious air-quality concerns. Palembang's pollution index exceeded 1,000, while hazardous haze has affected communities across fire-hit areas.More than 12.5 million people were exposed to wildfire haze in seven Indonesian provinces by mid-September, while reported respiratory illness cases more than doubled to 113,336 during the period.Peatland fires remain a major concern because fires can continue smouldering underground even after visible flames are extinguished.The latest wildfire situation comes amid hot and dry conditions associated with a strong El Niño, increasing the risk of fire spread and making firefighting more difficult.Smoke from Indonesia's fires has also affected Malaysia and Singapore, highlighting the continuing regional impact of the wildfire crisis.Watch the latest footage and updates from Indonesia's ongoing wildfire and haze situation.