Extreme Dryness Raises Haze and Fire Risk in Ende

Ende — Haze covered Ende Regency on 30 September 2026 as extreme dryness and possible El Niño influence reduced humidity, according to Pos Kupang. A meteorological official said the low humidity created a very high risk of forest and land fires. The official said the hazy air was not expected to affect human health.

Pos Kupang reported that the haze appeared across Ende and other parts of Flores on Wednesday morning. Visibility conditions improved during the afternoon, while the weather remained generally clear.

Why it matters to Komodo readers

Ende is on Flores, the same island that serves as a gateway to Komodo National Park. Dry conditions and haze can affect travel across the island, while the reported fire risk is relevant to communities and protected areas facing prolonged seasonal dryness.

Sti Nenotek, head of the El Tari Class II Meteorological Station in Kupang, attributed the conditions to extreme dryness combined with a possible El Niño phenomenon. Pos Kupang described haze as suspended dry particles, including dust, smoke and other pollutants, that reduce the clarity of the sky and visibility.

The report said the haze was an environmental concern and could increase the likelihood of forest and land fires because humidity was low. It did not report a health impact from the haze or state any closure or other official operational measure.

RRI separately reported that the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) station in Sikka had issued an early warning about drought and rough seas covering Sikka, Ende and Nagekeo. The warning urged residents to remain alert to dry-season hydrometeorological hazards, including water shortages and forest and land fires.

Sources

• Pos Kupang — regional news organisation
• bmkg.go.id