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Smoke from Indonesian forest and peat fires has pushed air quality in parts of Malaysian Borneo to hazardous levels, causing a surge in respiratory cases and forcing the cancellation of outdoor Independence Day celebrations. Authorities warn of more severe and prolonged haze as El Nino strengthens.
The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that global average sea surface temperatures hit a record 21.1°C, surpassing the previous March 2024 peak, as El Nino strengthens amid human-caused climate change. Experts warn of profound impacts on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and weather stability.
Indonesia is sending 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters to Borneo to combat forest fires that have burned over 200,000 hectares this year, creating severe haze. President Prabowo Subianto ordered the deployment during a visit to the region, as dry El Nino conditions worsen the fires.
The UK Met Office warns that this year's El Nino could be the strongest in over a century, with sea surface temperatures potentially rising by more than 3 degrees Celsius. This unprecedented event is expected to increase risks of drought, heavy rain, and extreme weather worldwide, with severe impacts in the tropics and northwestern Europe.
The Panama Canal Authority will cut daily ship transits from early September due to low water levels from El Niño. The restriction could affect global shipping and raise transport costs.
Governments worldwide are preparing for the historic impacts of a rapidly strengthening El Nino, with Sri Lanka distributing emergency water supplies and other nations boosting response measures against drought and wildfires.
Indonesian authorities are battling wildfires that have scorched more than 100,000 hectares, with nearly 50,000 firefighters deployed and dozens of schools closed due to hazardous smoke. Cloud-seeding flights are being used to combat dry conditions linked to El Nino.
Nearly 50,000 firefighters and multiple helicopters are battling wildfires across Indonesia, with the government citing El Nino as a key factor. A major blaze in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park has burned 743 hectares, and peatland fires are raging in Sumatra and Borneo.
Indonesian authorities have closed the entire Mount Bromo national park in East Java as a fast-spreading wildfire has nearly tripled the area burned, prompting the deployment of hundreds of firefighters and personnel to contain the blaze.
