TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of residents suffering from smoke-related diseases due to the recent haze in Bengkalis, Riau, has risen as haze from forest and peat land fires hit the province.
Head of Technical Implementation Unit for Crisis Center of RIau Health Agency, Jon Kenedy, said that on August 27, at least 69 residents in Bengkalis fell ill due to haze that hit the regency.
Of that number, 63 people suffered from acute respiratory infections, four people suffered from by skin irritation, one person suffered from and one person suffered from eye irritation.
"Haze in Bengkalis was severe enough that many residents have begun to feel the impacts hurt," Jon added.
He also said the Riau Health Agency has sent help to local health agencies including by sending 10,000 medical masks to Bengkalis.
F.B. ANGGORO | ANTARA
