TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fire in Riau spreads uncontrollably, as the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported 1,234 hotspots in the area. Reports from Tera and Aqua satellite informed that this has been the worst fire since the last couple of weeks, 10 times the number of the previous days which was only 166 hotspots. "The satellite validity reached 81 to 100 percent," said BMKG Analyst Ardhitama.
Moreover, observations noted that visibility has dropped to only 500 meters. The most hotspots are located in Bengkalis, with 515 spots. Other hotspots are located in Siak, Meranti, Dumai, Pelalawan, Indragiri Hilir, Rokan Hilir, and Indragiri Hulu.
Duty Manager at Sultan Syarif Kasim (SSK) II Airport Pekanbaru Baiquni, stated that the fog has forced the airport to stop operating. Earlier this morning, there are 12 airlines cancelling their flights. "With low visibility, it is impossible for a plane to fly," said Baiquni.
RIYAN NOFITRA