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ot-spots have been detected in several regencies in Riau province, marking the start of the dry season and the increased potential for forest and land fires.

The Pekanbaru chapter of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded that, based on the Terra and Aqua satellites, seven hot-spots had been detected in four regencies in Riau on Tuesday morning.

There are three hot-spots in Pelalawan, two in Kuantan Singingi, one in Siak and another one in Indragiri Hilir. Information and Data unit head at Pekanbaru’s BMKG Slamet Riyadi urged authorities and the public to stay alert amid the increased potential for forest and land fires following the beginning of dry season in May. He said there was still potential for downpours, but they would be of low to medium intensity.