As the ongoing epidemic ravages the world as we know it, another unfortunate occurrence might yet come knocking on Singapore’s door.
According to Channel News Asia, Central Kalimantan, the third-largest Indonesian province, was facing over 700 hotspots at the start of the dry season. And if there’s one thing we know about Indonesian hotspots…
It’s that instead of a decent Wi-Fi connection for our phones, we get indecent haze particles for our noses.
Time to get N95 masks instead of bra-like mask.
3 Indonesian Provinces Have Declared State of Emergency For Forest Fires; 700 Hotspots Detected
In response to the dire situation, the province of Central Kalimantan has called for a state of emergency, which will purportedly last from 1 July to 28 September.
Increased patrols, as well as extinguishing efforts, will be implemented to halt the spread of fires.
According to an official from the environment and forestry ministry, Radian Bagiyono, the peak season is expected to come in August, which is less than a month from now.
Two other provinces, Riau and South Sumatra, have also declared a state of emergency in light of the dry season.
It should be noted, however, that the containment of forest fires has been somewhat compromised by a budget cut; the emergence of Covid-19 has caused resources to be redirected to the health ministry, in an attempt to contain the local outbreak.
According to Reuters, the figure is a rough 17 per cent.
This, according to activists of Greenpeace Indonesia, may leave the local community to “fend for themselves.”
Should the haze reappear, it may also lead to a higher demand for N95 masks, as well as an increased risk for vulnerable groups, as normal surgical masks won’t work against the haze.
Wiendra Waworuntu, communicable disease prevention and control director at Indonesia’s health ministry, has suggested the preparation of large evacuation rooms with air purifiers to contain Covid-19 patients who are already affected by the virus.
Steps such as weather modification and cloud seeding should also be considered to cease the occurrence of fires.
Fingers Crossed
To the casual Singaporean, the haze is something like Aunt Matilda.
It comes once every year whether you like it or not, shoves itself in your face and spares zero consideration for anyone while at it. It can also prove fatal if you take in too much of it.
However, you’ve grown to become accustomed to it, and as such have simply been prepping for its dastardly effects beforehand. N95 masks, air-conditioning, advanced leave…
You’ve it all planned out.
But this year’s a little different. This year, there’s already an annoying relative in the house:
Your toxic Uncle Epidemic.
And one can only imagine the sheer chaos that would erupt if the both of them, touch keyboard, happen to end up together under the same roof.
And so, we should take up all preventative measures to ensure that it will never happen.
“But we’re just civilians,” you argue. “What can we do?”
Well, there’s always the old-fashioned way. Cross our fingers and hope for a miracle.
Or vote for the correct leaders, of course.
Lest you’ve forgotten, polling day will be on next Friday. So what happens if you didn’t vote? Would you be jailed? Would you be barred from buying bubble tea for the next five years? Watch this video and you’ll know the consequences:
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
