Indonesia’s El Niño-Driven Haze Crisis Reaches Peak Toxicity as Rain Offers Limited Relief
Indonesia is experiencing its worst fire season in over a decade, driven by a 'super' El Niño and slash-and-burn agriculture. Toxic smog has choked Southeast Asia, causing over 283,000 respiratory cases in Indonesia and severe pollution in Singapore. While recent rains offer temporary relief, heavy downpours are not expected until December, leaving peat fires smoldering. Diplomatic tensions have risen, with Singapore threatening legal action against companies linked to the fires, while Indonesian protesters demand a national disaster declaration.