Indonesia is facing a major health crisis. Massive forest fires are burning across the country, filling the air with thick, toxic smoke. The air quality has become so bad that the sky in some areas has turned a strange, deep orange color. People are comparing the view to pictures of Mars.

This smoke is very dangerous to breathe. Thousands of people are already feeling sick. In one month alone, over 3,500 people lost their lives due to complications linked to this smoky air. Health experts are calling these deaths avoidable, but the situation on the ground remains dire.

To help those who cannot breathe, the government has started sending out 'oxygen buses.' These are special vehicles where people can go to get clean air and medical help if they are struggling to breathe.

Experts say the problem is being made worse by El Niño. This is a natural weather pattern that is making Indonesia much hotter and drier than usual. Because it hasn't rained, the peatlands—which are like spongy layers of soil—are drying out and catching fire easily. These fires are very hard to put out because they burn deep underground.

Beyond the immediate health risk, there is another big problem. These fires are releasing huge amounts of carbon into the air. This carbon has been trapped in the ground for hundreds of years. Releasing it now is very bad for the earth's climate.

People are starting to protest, demanding that the government do more to stop the fires and protect the public. Churches and other groups, like the World Council of Churches, are also reaching out to support families who are scared and suffering from the haze.

For now, residents are being told to stay indoors as much as possible and keep their windows shut. It is a frightening time for everyone living in the region as they wait for the fires to be controlled.

Source: NBC News