Karhutla Smoke Fog Covers Sampit, 704 Residents Affected by ISPA

SAMPIT - A total of 704 people have been affected by upper respiratory tract infections (ISPA) due to the haze from forest and land fires (karhutla) in East Kotawaringin Regency (Kotim), Central Kalimantan in the last 1 week.

The increase in ISPA cases occurred due to the deterioration of air quality due to the haze caused by the forest fire that covered the Sampit area and its surroundings. This condition is exacerbated by the hot spots (hotspots) that are still emerging in a number of sub-districts, especially areas with dry and flammable peat land.

A total of 704 residents who were exposed to ISPA have received treatment at a number of health facilities. The most patients were handled by Ketapang I Health Center.

"We have noted an increase in visits to patients with complaints of shortness of breath, cough, and eye irritation since the thick smog began to hit Sampit. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women are the most affected," said Head of Ketapang I Miftahun Nisa Health Center, Tuesday, August 11.

The East Kotawaringin Health Office has distributed masks to a number of health centers and crowded locations as a precautionary measure. A health post was also established to make it easier for residents to get medical treatment.

The public is urged to reduce outdoor activities, especially in the morning to afternoon before the afternoon. The public is also asked to immediately consult the nearest health facility if they experience respiratory symptoms to prevent complications due to long-term exposure to smoke.

The haze from the forest fire not only interferes with health, but also has an impact on citizen activities. The visibility on the highway is disturbed and a number of flights at the Haji Asan Sampit Airport were delayed due to decreased visibility.

The East Kotawaringin Regency Government together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and related institutions continue to carry out forest fires. This effort is carried out, among others, through water bombing and weather modification to suppress the spread of smoke haze which is increasingly widespread.