North Sumatra recorded 89,638 acute respiratory infection cases in September 2026 as air quality worsened amid forest and land fires, with haze affecting several areas of the province (15/10).

Respiratory Infection Cases Rise in North Sumatra

The North Sumatra Health Office recorded 89,638 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in September 2026, up from 88,650 cases in August, an increase of 988 cases.

Hamid Rijal Lubis, secretary of the North Sumatra Health Office, reported the figures on Thursday, October 15, 2026. He urged residents to remain alert and reduce exposure to smoke, particularly when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.

According to monitoring by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), air quality in Medan and several other areas of North Sumatra ranged from moderate to unhealthy. Haze continued to cover parts of the province.

Authorities Urge Residents to Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution

Hamid advised residents to limit outdoor activities, especially when air quality deteriorates or smoke affects their surroundings. People who must go outside were advised to wear masks that can filter fine particles, particularly PM2.5.

Residents were also encouraged to monitor air-quality information from official sources, including the relevant meteorological agencies, and follow updates about conditions in their areas.

Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions or other illnesses were advised to limit outdoor activities.

Hamid urged residents to seek medical attention if they experienced persistent or worsening symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and eye irritation. He also recommended drinking water, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and consuming balanced nutrition.

When air pollution levels are high, residents were advised to close doors, windows, and ventilation openings exposed to outdoor air while maintaining safe ventilation. Using an indoor air purifier was also recommended when available.

Haze Reduces Visibility Across North Sumatra

Smoke haze has increasingly affected visibility in several parts of North Sumatra. The haze was reported to have traveled from southern Sumatra and Kalimantan, carried by moving air masses.

Hendro Nugroho, head of BMKG Region I in Medan, said observations on October 15, 2026, showed that air quality in several areas of North Sumatra ranged from moderate to unhealthy.

Authorities urged motorists traveling through areas affected by haze and reduced visibility to exercise caution. They were advised to reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and turn on vehicle lights as necessary.

Residents were also encouraged to limit outdoor activities when air quality worsened and use suitable masks to reduce exposure to smoke particles.

Monitoring Stations Record Visibility of 1–3 Kilometers

Observations from Kualanamu Meteorological Station, Aek Godang Meteorological Station, and Silangit Meteorological Station recorded visibility ranging from 1 to 3 kilometers at 9 a.m. Western Indonesian Time on October 15, 2026.

Hendro cited the monitoring results as evidence of reduced visibility in several parts of North Sumatra. The agency advised residents in affected areas to remain cautious when traveling and reduce exposure to smoke when air quality deteriorated.

PHOTO: KOMPAS.COM

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