47,000 Makassar residents across six sub-districts affected by drought
The Makassar Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has recorded that more than 47,000 residents across six sub-districts are affected by drought due to a prolonged dry season.
Head of Makassar BPBD Fadli Tahar stated on Thursday that the drought disaster is beginning to put pressure on clean water needs, with tens of thousands of residents in Makassar City affected by difficulties in obtaining clean water.
“Makassar City BPBD data as of 5 August 2026 recorded 47,252 individuals from 13,929 households affected by the drought. This situation is spread across six sub-districts, namely Ujung Tanah, Tallo, Biringkanaya, Tamalanrea, Panakkukang, and Manggala,” he said.
Biringkanaya Sub-district recorded the highest number of affected individuals at 14,787, followed by Tallo with 10,672, Tamalanrea with 9,947, Manggala with 7,601, Ujung Tanah with 2,921, and Panakkukang with 1,324.
“After the emergency response status was declared, what we need is action. We map out who can help with what, their capacity, where it is needed, and how quickly it can be mobilised. Our simple target is that people who need water must get water,” he said.
In the initial handling, BPBD recorded that 17 water tanks had been distributed in Ujung Tanah Sub-district, 8 in Biringkanaya, and 10 in Tallo.
The Makassar City Government is also encouraging all stakeholders to optimise their available resources, including water tanker trucks, raw water sources, storage tanks, distribution fleets, personnel, health workers, operational support, and other logistical needs.
“This coordination meeting is not just about consolidating data, but about consolidating strength. After this, everyone must move. The government, the TNI/Polri, the business sector, communities, and all stakeholders must be present together for the community,” stressed the Head of BPBD.
During the emergency response period, Makassar BPBD will continue to update data and conduct needs assessments so that the distribution of clean water and other aid can be carried out quickly, measurably, and on target.