The haze has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses, with over 283,000 cases reported in seven Indonesian provinces. Schools in Indonesia, Malaysia, and East Timor have been forced to close, and nearly 2,000 flights have been disrupted. The fires have also caused significant environmental damage, with peatland fires smouldering underground for extended periods. The situation has strained diplomatic relations, as neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia have criticised Indonesia's handling of the crisis.