South-east Asia braced for fires and drought brought on by El Niño

Sweltering heat spreading through south-east Asia in recent weeks heralds the return of El Niño, with governments across the region bracing to fight water shortages, forest fires and clouds of choking haze as the weather pattern strengthens.

Soaring temperatures could threaten agricultural output in a region that is a top producer of palm oil, rice, coffee beans and other commodities, while pressure on supplies of water and power could hit the rapidly growing manufacturing industry.