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El Niño compounds Indonesia’s drought and wildfire response
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Health Ministry reports a higher cumulative case count
Indonesia’s Health Ministry reported 174,694 acute respiratory infection cases in seven haze-affected provinces from August through September 21, including more than 40,000 involving toddlers. The cumulative count was above the more than 113,000 reported as of September 9; it does not represent infections on September 22 alone. The figures identify cases recorded in affected areas, not how many were caused by smoke. The ministry said it had sent masks, oxygen concentrators and oxygen canisters.
CNA: Respiratory problems climb past 170,000 cases in haze-hit Indonesia
Indonesia reinforces wildfire response as drought limits water supplies
Indonesia has deployed 80,000 police and military personnel and 10,000 civilian volunteers to reinforce wildfire crews, according to a September 22 report. More than 200,000 hectares burned from January through July, although official August and September totals remain unavailable. Receding rivers and reservoirs are limiting firefighting water in some areas. NOAA says El Niño is strengthening, while ASEAN forecasters expect elevated fire and transboundary-haze risk under likely below-normal rainfall across much of the Maritime Continent; local effects remain variable rather than guaranteed.
Climate Prediction Center: ENSO Diagnostic Discussion · Through smoke, flames and exhaustion, Sumatra’s firefighters find strength to carry on · Regional Climate – Seasonal Outlook