Xinhua, Beijing 10 month 15 — According to AFP's report on 15, severe air pollution in Timor-Leste caused by haze from neighboring Indonesia has led to the closure of schools for three days starting today.
In Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, the sky has taken on a yellowish hue due to haze, with most residents outdoors wearing masks as advised by the government. Earlier this week, pollution levels were even worse, enveloping the entire city in haze.
Sonia, a 30-year-old midwife, told AFP: "Air pollution in Dili has been severe lately, blanketing the sky."
10-year-old student Vitaliano is preparing for final exams. He said, "We're staying home, but learning hasn't stopped... Hope the pollution clears up in the next few days and schools return to normal."
Recently, wildfires and haze have persisted in multiple areas of Indonesia. The haze has crossed borders, spreading to neighboring countries including Malaysia, Singapore, East Timor, and the Philippines.
Indonesia frequently experiences forest fires during the dry season. This year, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, the severity of these incidents has been particularly acute. Additionally, forestry and ecology experts warn that widespread slash-and-burn agriculture across Indonesia is significantly increasing fire risks.