Smog blankets South Kalimantan

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Smog is blanketing areas of Banua Lima in the north of the province, Antara reported on Monday.

"The sun has not appeared in the last few days," a resident of Kambitin Tabalong village said.

The smog is believed to be from fires in Central Kalimantan and the burning and clearing of brush and forest land.

Apart from the smog, a prolonged dry season is adding to people's problems here. The river has run dry and residents are finding it increasingly difficult to find water.

The head of the health agency in Hulu Sungai Utara regency, IBG Dharma Putra, reported increasing cases of respiratory difficulties. He said the symptoms would most likely worsen if the smoggy conditions continued.