Hotspots From Forest Fires Forecast To Increase In S Sumatera

Jakarta, Sept 29 (Antara) - The number of detected hotspots were likely to increase as there were no signs of heavy rains until the end of September, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of South Sumatra. "Dozens of hotspots have been detected in some areas such as Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), Ogan Ilir, and Muara Enim, among several other districts. We have to pay close attention because the numbers are likely to increase," Head of Observation and Information Section of Kenten Climatology Station of West Sumatra BMKG Indra Purnama noted in Palembang on Monday. He explained that as it is the peak of the dry season from early September until now, the temperature tends to hover around 33-35 degrees Celsius during the day with rainfall below 100 millimeters. He pointed out that due to these conditions, it was necessary to implement anticipatory measures to prevent forest and land fires that could worsen the smog in the area. He also urged the communities living in the areas prone to land and forest fires to increase supervision of their land, farms, and the nearby forest. Smog is the apparent impact of forest and land fires during this month, which affects daily activities and triggers health problems in several areas. Purnama forecast that the smog will continue until mid-October when the rainy season sets in. Head of South Sumatra`s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Yulizar Dinoto revealed that they had initiated several land and aerial operations to extinguish the forest fires, including artificial rain and weather modification.