BNPB: Three Regencies in Central Java Hit by Drought

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has stated that three regencies in Central Java are experiencing drought as several regions enter the dry season. Head of the BNPB’s Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, said in a written statement on Saturday that drought conditions are still being felt by residents in the regencies of Klaten, Pemalang, and Boyolali. “BNPB urges residents to remain prudent in their water usage. Distributing water via tanker trucks is a short-term solution. If there is still a chance of rain, the community can harvest rainwater as a reserve,” he said. The impact of the drought affecting several areas in Klaten Regency includes the villages of Kendalsari, Tegalmulyo, Tlogowatu, and Sidorejo. The Klaten Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) recorded that 2,498 families, or 8,319 individuals, have been affected by the drought in the area. He continued that in Pemalang Regency, the drought has affected three villages across three sub-districts: Belik, Bawang, and Pulosari. Preliminary data from the Pemalang BPBD recorded 166 affected families, and 4,000 litres of clean water have been distributed to residents in Pulosari Village. The drought has also impacted Boyolali Regency, where the BPBD recorded 42 families, or 125 individuals, facing clean water shortages. The affected villages are Ketoyan Village in Wonosegoro Sub-district and Samiran Village in Selo Sub-district. The BPBD has distributed 5,000 litres of clean water to residents of the two villages. In addition to the clean water shortage, Abdul Muhari reminded local governments to also increase their vigilance against the threat of forest and land fires.