BNPB: Thousands of Litres of Water Distributed to Combat El Niño Drought in Central Java

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed the distribution of thousands of litres of clean water for residents affected by drought caused by the dry season and the El Niño phenomenon in three regencies in Central Java Province.

The Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that the impact of El Niño has triggered a decline in groundwater reserves in Central Java. Reports as of Monday (28/9) indicate that drought is currently affecting the Pati, Sragen, and Pemalang regencies.

“The distribution of clean water is being carried out periodically by local authorities,” he said.

The BNPB Operations Control Directorate reported that in Pati Regency, the drought has affected 1,131 families (3,896 individuals) across 15 villages spanning seven districts, including Winong, Pucakwangi, Jaken, Jakenan, Gabus, Kayen, and Tambakromo. In response, the Pati Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) rapid response team has distributed 94,000 litres of clean water.

Meanwhile, in Pemalang Regency, the impact of the drought is the most widespread, affecting 10,764 families in 23 villages across nine districts, namely Belik, Bawang, Pulosari, Watukumpul, Bantarbolang, Randudongkal, Bodeh, Warungpring, and Cilongok.

“Tanker fleets with capacities of 4,000 to 5,000 litres are being deployed to meet the water needs of residents in Pemalang for the next three days,” he said.

According to Berton, the government’s clean water intervention must be accompanied by public awareness regarding water conservation, as the dry season and El Niño phenomenon are expected to persist for several months.

Furthermore, he urged residents to refrain from burning rubbish or clearing land with fire to prevent forest and land fires during the intense heat, and to remain prepared with disaster emergency kits.