BNPB: Multi-disaster vigilance top priority as dry season approaches

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stated that multi-disaster vigilance must be the top priority for local governments and communities as they prepare for the dual weather transition period in June. Abdul Muhari, Chief of the BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, said in Jakarta on Friday that preparedness is crucial as parts of Indonesia are currently vulnerable to simultaneous wet and dry hydro-meteorological threats. “Clean water shortages and other impacts such as forest and land fires pose serious threats. During the transitional season, there is high vulnerability to extreme weather causing heavy rain and strong winds,” he said. He added that as June approaches, parts of Indonesia have entered the dry season, which could trigger drought conditions. Thus, simultaneous mitigation measures are key to preventing widespread losses for communities on the ground during this transitional phase. As part of preparedness for dry hydro-meteorological disasters, BNPB is closely monitoring escalating forest and land fires in Riau Province, with burnt areas reaching 3,474.74 hectares as of Wednesday (20 May). Firefighting operations in Riau are being intensified through coordinated air and ground efforts, with full support from cross-sectoral agencies. Emergency fire response synergy was also demonstrated in Aceh, where joint teams swiftly extinguished a two-hectare land fire in Gampong Blang Pulo, Muara Satu Subdistrict, Lhokseumawe City, on Monday (25 May) evening. To minimise risks from this multi-disaster phenomenon, BNPB urges the public to regularly monitor weather updates, maintain physical health, clear drainage channels, and prepare emergency disaster kits for their families.