Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA Newws) - The US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) satellite has detected 12 hotspots at six districts in Riau Province, according to Pekanbaru Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) spokesman Marzuki.

He added that four hotspots were found in Rokan Hilir district, three in Kampar District, two in Dumai, and one each in Rokan Hulu, Bengkalis, and Kuantansingingi.

"Seeing the movement of hotspots in Riau Province, the number is variable and it could increase or decrease depending on the weather condition and temperature," Marzuki said here on Monday.

He noted low rainfall, forest fires, and land burning had contributed to the emergence of the hotspots at various districts in the province.

Marzuki said wildfires and low rainfall had also led to the emergence of hotspots in other provinces such as Jambi, Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra on Sumatra island.

He predicted the number of hotspots on Sumatra island would probably increase because of the seasonal transition, from rainy to dry season.

"Therefore, people should remain wary of forest fire and avoid land burning," Marzuki said. 


(O001/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Ade P Marboen
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