Indonesia: Emergency declared in six provinces due to forest fires

Event

Government authorities have declared an emergency due to forest fires in the provinces of Riau, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Jambi, South Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan on Wednesday, July 31. Thousands of military personnel and police and aircrafts were deployed to fight the fires; a total of 124 hot spots are in the aforementioned areas. The fires were prompted by slash-and-burn practices and droughts, among other triggers. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity (particularly children and those with respiratory illnesses), and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.