BNPB: Residents displaced and farmers suffer crop failure due to drought in Nduga

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that the drought disaster affecting Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan, has forced some residents to evacuate and caused farmers to experience crop failure.

Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, said in Jakarta on Friday that the condition was a significant impact of the prolonged reduction in rainfall during this dry season.

“Crop failure and some affected residents have been displaced,” said Berton.

He explained that the water crisis and food shortage have hit two main areas, namely Bowisa Village in Mugi District and Mbuwa Village in Mbuwa District, Nduga Regency.

Crop failure across an area of 2,325 hectares has triggered a shortage of basic commodities in the affected areas, prompting residents to move and seek supplies of basic necessities.

“Some affected residents have evacuated to Walaik District,” said Berton.

According to him, BNPB hopes that the local government and relevant stakeholders can accelerate the rapid assessment process and periodic monitoring, which will serve as a reference for emergency response assistance interventions as an urgent need.