Orange haze blankets Palangka Raya, Indonesia
A thick orange smog covered Palangka Raya, with an air pollution index over 1,200, as wildfires burn nearby.
Key facts
- ISPU index >1,200 in Palangka Raya
- Index four times hazardous level of 300
- Haze seen over Kalimantan near active wildfires
- Authorities blame slash-and-burn agriculture
- Smog choking millions in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia
A thick orange smog descended on Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan. Witnesses recorded videos of the haze washing over the city. The smog is part of a larger haze event affecting the region.
According to the national environment ministry, the ISPU air pollution index exceeded 1,200. The hazardous level is set at 300, making the current reading four times higher. The index was recorded on Wednesday.
The haze is linked to ongoing wildfires in Kalimantan. Videos show the haze spreading from areas where fires continue to burn. The fires are burning near the city.
Authorities partly blame the agricultural clearing method known as slash-and-burn. This method releases large amounts of smoke. The haze is choking millions across Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Context
Indonesia experiences seasonal haze from forest fires. The haze is often caused by slash-and-burn practices used in agriculture. The event affects neighboring countries.
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