El Niño Sparks Indonesia Wildfire Disaster | Thousands Of Hectares Reduced To Ash | VERTEX

Wildfires continue to spread across Indonesia’s Kalimantan region, destroying forests, plantations, and threatening communities as a prolonged dry season intensifies fire risks. Residents in West and Central Kalimantan described thick haze, rapidly spreading flames, and severe losses to crops and palm oil plantations. Firefighters are battling multiple blazes, but shortages of water and resources have complicated efforts. Indonesia has recorded a sharp increase in land burned this year, with officials linking the worsening conditions to a stronger El Niño pattern. The fires have also contributed to deteriorating air quality, affecting communities across the wider Borneo region.