‘I can’t bear it’: young family takes refuge in bedroom as choking haze engulfs Indonesian city

Mother tells of desperate efforts to keep her five-month-old son healthy as residents of Palangkaraya flock to clean-air ‘safe houses’ to escape toxic haze Every day in Palangkaraya starts with an air quality check. For people who can afford one, a handheld device can test the air for toxic particles floating into their lungs. For others, a look out the window will reveal skies turned orange with smoke. But for those closest to the fires ravaging this part of Indonesia, the check is done before they even open their eyes, with the acrid smell and the hacking cough that comes as they wake. Continue reading...