Mongabay · Climate & nature

El Niño Intensifies Indonesian Wildfires, Threatening Children's Health

Wildfires in Borneo and Sumatra, exacerbated by El Niño, are causing respiratory issues and health risks, particularly for children, in Indonesia and neighboring countries.

Wildfires in Borneo and Sumatra are raising health risks, with some health offices reporting rising respiratory disease rates. A strong El Niño is expected to prolong the dry season, increasing wildfire risks.

Mothers in South Kalimantan report stress as family members fall ill due to poor air quality. Smoke has spread to Malaysia and Singapore, prompting health advisories.

Community and government firefighters battle blazes, many on drained peatlands cleared for oil palm plantations. Fire is often used for land clearing, but flames can spread rapidly across dry peatlands.

Fine airborne particles from smoke can cause systemic inflammation and respiratory infections. Acute respiratory infection is the most frequently reported illness during these fires.

Children are vulnerable. One mother described her son's cough worsening amid fires, leading to pneumonia. Thousands of children under five die annually from preventable pneumonia globally.

South Kalimantan health data shows tens of thousands of acute respiratory infection cases in one month. Vulnerable groups need more attention, though a direct link to fires is still being established.

This fire season is among Indonesia's worst. Residents call for government action to prevent recurring fires.

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