Smoke From Forest Fires Begins Covering Areas of North Sumatra

Smoke from forest and land fires began spreading across parts of North Sumatra on Monday, according to the region’s meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency, BBMKG.

Ilham Haris Batubara, a forecaster with BBMKG Region 1, said satellite imagery recorded smoke entering North Sumatra by 4 p.m. local time. It was concentrated mainly in the southern part of the province, with winds blowing toward the northwest.

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The smoke distribution was observed mainly in the southern part of North Sumatra, where the wind was blowing toward the northwest.

The haze had been detected in Padanglawas, North Padanglawas, South Labuhanbatu, Labuhanbatu, North Labuhanbatu and Mandailing Natal. Satellite monitoring indicated that it could spread farther northwest toward North Tapanuli, South Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan, depending on wind direction and speed and the development of fire hotspots.

BBMKG said the smoke was believed to have come from forest and land fires in several parts of Sumatra. It urged people in affected areas to remain alert, limit nonessential outdoor activity, wear masks when outside, close doors and windows if smoke enters their homes, and follow official updates.

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If air conditions become increasingly smoky, use a mask when doing activities outdoors, reduce nonessential outdoor activities, close doors and windows if smoke enters the house, and follow official information from BMKG and related agencies.