BMKG Places Bangka Belitung on Drought Alert

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for the Bangka Belitung Islands Province has placed the Bangka Belitung Islands on drought alert, indicating a potential clean water crisis during the dry season in the region. “We urge the public to be more economical in using water during this year’s dry season,” said Slamet Supriyadi, Head of the BMKG Data and Information Team for the Bangka Belitung Islands, in Pangkalpinang on Tuesday. He stated that based on the BMKG’s analysis for August 2026, the Bangka Belitung Islands have entered a drought alert level, particularly in the regencies of Central Bangka, South Bangka, and Belitung, due to decreasing rainfall intensity in these areas. “This alert status is established to increase the vigilance of local governments and the community in anticipating drought impacts from this year’s dry season,” he said. “We urge the public to use water wisely and seek alternative solutions if water is no longer available at home. For example, requesting clean water assistance from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and preparing water storage containers for when it rains,” he added. He also advised the public against using fire to clear new land, as it could potentially lead to larger, uncontrollable fires. “During this dry season accompanied by strong winds, fires are very difficult to control in dry bushes on vacant land or in forests. Therefore, the public is urged not to burn these lands,” he said.