Timor-Leste Shuts Schools as Toxic Haze from Indonesian Wildfires Blankets Region
Timor-Leste closes schools for three days as hazardous smoke from Indonesian forest fires drifts across the region, prompting urgent health warnings.
POLICY WIRE — Dili, Timor-Leste — Authorities in Timor-Leste initiated a three-day closure of all schools on Thursday, Oct 15, as thick, hazardous haze from ongoing forest fires in Indonesia blanketed the capital city.
While daily life in Dili continued under a yellow-tinted sky, the government issued a directive urging residents to remain indoors and wear protective masks when outside. The decision aims to safeguard the health of students and educators against the deteriorating air quality.
The current crisis stems from severe wildfires across Sumatra, Borneo, and Papua, which have consumed hundreds of thousands of hectares of land. The smoke has spread across international borders, impacting Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste, exacerbated by a powerful El Nino-driven drought.
Local residents have expressed concern over the intensity of the smog. Sonya da Costa Soares, a 30-year-old midwife, noted that the pollution has been severe enough to obscure the sun, describing the school closures as a very important measure to ensure children are not put in danger.
Students are attempting to maintain their academic progress despite the disruption. Vitaliano da Costa Calapes, an 18-year-old at St Ignatius Loyola College, confirmed that he is continuing to study at home while preparing for upcoming final exams, expressing hope that conditions will improve soon.
Other citizens, such as Felicidade Alves dos Santos Martins, recalled that the smoke was even more pervasive earlier in the week, describing the atmosphere as if smoke from fires was covering all of Dili and the mountains. She emphasized that this pollution is very dangerous and carries significant health risks.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
