In Indonesia, a wildfire at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java has burned around 176 hectares, forcing authorities to close the Mount Bromo tourist area. Hundreds of firefighters, soldiers, police, rangers and volunteers have been deployed, supported by helicopters and drones. Dry vegetation and strong seasonal winds have increased the fire risk.
In the Republic of Korea, prolonged heat continues despite the lifting of the highest-level heatwave warning in some areas. Thousands of heat-related illness cases have been recorded this season, while authorities are stepping up protection for elderly people and outdoor workers. Temperatures in many areas are still expected to reach around 35 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones have affected more than 380,000 people. At least 6 people have died, 7 have been injured, and dozens of evacuation centres have been activated as heavy rain triggers flooding and landslides.
And in Hong Kong (China), temperatures reached 36.9 degrees Celsius on 9 August, the highest since official records began in 1884. A monitoring station in Sheung Shui recorded 39.8 degrees, the highest reading since automatic weather stations were introduced.
With extreme weather becoming more frequent across the region, authorities are under growing pressure to strengthen disaster preparedness, protect vulnerable communities and safeguard essential services.
