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September 19, 2019

Thousands Fall Ill as Indonesian Fires Spread Toxic Haze
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In Indonesia, massive forest fires have spread toxic haze over the
islands of Sumatra and Borneo, sending residents to hospitals, shutting
down airports and closing schools as far away as Singapore and Malaysia.
On Wednesday, military pilots began seeding clouds above the fires with
chemicals, hoping to produce enough rain to douse the blazes. Indonesian
officials estimate about 80% of the fires were deliberately set in order
to clear land for palm oil plantations.


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