A major environmental crisis is unfolding across Southeast Asia. Massive wildfires are burning through forests and peatlands in Indonesia, sending a thick, toxic haze into the air.

The smoke is so bad that it has drifted far beyond Indonesia’s borders. Neighbors like Malaysia and the Philippines are now covered in a heavy blanket of smog. People in these areas are struggling to breathe as the air quality reaches dangerous levels.

Experts say a strong 'El Niño' weather pattern is making things much worse. El Niño is a natural climate event that often brings drier weather to this part of the world. Because the ground is so dry, it is very easy for small fires to grow into uncontrollable blazes. These fires are burning deep into the peat—which is essentially layers of dead plants that act like fuel—making them incredibly difficult to put out.

The impact on the environment is devastating. Precious forests are being destroyed, and the thick, gray air is hurting the health of everyone living nearby. Authorities are worried about the long-term effects on nature and the people caught in the middle of the smoke.

For now, the fires continue to grow, and the haze remains a serious threat to the region.

Source: Financial Times