Key facts
- Wildfires in Indonesia are worsening hazardous haze across Southeast Asia.
- A rehabilitation center in Borneo is taking in more orangutans due to habitat loss.
- One rescued orangutan died from respiratory problems linked to the haze.
- Fires have burned at least 800,000 hectares in Indonesia since January.
Southeast Asia is grappling with severe haze caused by intense wildfires in Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. These fires, exacerbated by a strong El Niño weather pattern, have been burning since July and are expected to continue until November. The situation has led to a significant increase in orangutan rescues, with one rehabilitation center in Borneo caring for 90 animals after taking in 49 since August. The haze has also caused a spike in respiratory illnesses and disrupted flights across the region.