The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre activated its highest alert level, Level 3, for parts of Southeast Asia because of persistent toxic smoke and transboundary haze from severe wildfires in Indonesia.
The fires were intensified by the El Nino phenomenon, affecting islands such as Sumatra, Borneo, and Papua, and sending smog to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
The smoke spread to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
The alert is triggered by persistent hotspot activities, widespread smoke haze, and unfavorable weather conditions.
Singapore has blamed seven Indonesian companies for the fires.
Four men have died while fighting fires in an Indonesian national park.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre operates a four‑tiered alert system, and the activation of Alert Level 3 signals a high risk of severe transboundary haze in the region.
The alert is triggered by persistent hotspot activities, widespread smoke haze, and unfavorable weather conditions.
A previous smog alert had been triggered on March 27, 2023.
On October 16, 2026, the maximum alert level was triggered in part of Southeast Asia due to toxic smoke.
On October 17, 2026, the ASEAN climate monitor issued the highest alert level, stating, “Activation of alert level 3 for the southern ASEAN region.”