The haze, which started from forest fires in Indonesia and has blanketed Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and most recently the Philippines, has affected more than 500,000 people and is now labelled a crime against humanity.

Over 43 million people are inhaling toxic fumes from the forest and peat fires, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The Jakarta Globe reports that BMKG described it as a “crime against humanity of extraordinary proportions.”

At least 10 people have died in the worst affected areas of Sumatra and Kalimantan from haze-related illnesses, and more than 500,000 cases of acute respiratory tract infection have been recorded.

BMKG spokesperson Sutopo Puro Nugroho admitted that there are more unrecorded cases of haze-related illnesses. Nugroho added that while the haze can indeed be considered a crime against humanity, he noted that now is not the time to point fingers. He said they should focus instead on how the issue will be dealt with quickly.

In an attempt to stop the forest fires, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the deployment of 30 aircraft and 22,000 troops to fight fires on the ground. Several warships were also stationed in Kalimantan to evacuate victims, if necessary.

Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Japan have also sent assistance to help solve the issue.

Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, and people often resort to lighting forest fires to clear the land. Indonesia and its neighbours are faced with haze problems resulting from forest fires annually. This year, however, is the worst so far as forest fires were prolonged because of the dry season and the impact of El Niño, The Guardian reports.

This December, Indonesia will discuss raging forest fires, haze and associated emissions as well as its commitments at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

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