Download TikTok Video: Forest fires in Indonesia s Kalimantan region have been burning

Forest fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan region have been burning for over 3 months, blanketing parts of the region in haze and disrupting daily life, according to AP News. In West Kalimantan, schools have been closed for about 2 months and transport has been disrupted. As of 4pm Singapore time on Oct. 12, Central Kalimantan recorded an Air Pollution Standard Index reading of 886.5. Indonesia classifies readings above 300 as hazardous. The fires have worsened partly due to drier conditions brought on by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which triggers droughts and heatwaves in the region. Water shortages have made firefighting more difficult, AP reported. In Singapore, the fires have resulted in unhealthy air quality readings, causing authorities to consider suspending classes and national examinations if pollution levels reach the hazardous range. Additionally, should the 24-hour PSI exceed 200, entering the “very unhealthy” range, the Singapore government will distribute N95 masks to vulnerable Singaporeans and those with limited means to obtain them. #mothershipabroad