Toxic haze blankets Southeast Asia as super El Niño intensifies; 12,000+ children affected

A severe El Niño event is intensifying, driving widespread toxic wildfire haze across Southeast Asia, exposing millions and causing respiratory illness in over 12,000 children. The scale and intensity suggest a regional environmental and public-health crisis, with potential for cross-border tensions over haze sources. The situation is developing as El Niño conditions persist.