BNPB: Three Regencies in Central Java Hit by Drought

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stated that three regencies in Central Java are experiencing drought as several regions enter the dry season.

The Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre of the BNPB, Abdul Muhari, stated in a written report in Pekalongan on Saturday that drought conditions are still being felt by residents in the Klaten, Pemalang, and Boyolali regencies.

“BNPB urges citizens to remain wise in their use of water. The distribution of water via water tankers is a short-term measure. If there is still a chance of rain, the community can harvest rainwater as a reserve,” he said.

The impact of the drought in parts of Klaten Regency includes the villages of Kendalsari, Tegalmulyo, Tlogowatu, and Sidorejo. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Klaten recorded that 2,498 families, or 8,319 individuals, are affected by the drought in the area.

In Pemalang Regency, the impact of the drought affects three villages across three districts, namely Belik, Bawang, and Pulosari. Preliminary data from the Pemalang BPBD recorded 166 families affected by the drought, with 4,000 litres of clean water having been distributed to residents in Pulosari Village.

Furthermore, drought impacts are also occurring in Boyolali Regency, where the BPBD recorded 42 families, or 125 individuals, facing clean water shortages. The affected areas include Ketoyan Village in the Wonosegoro District and Samiran Village in the Selo District. The BPBD has distributed 5,000 litres of clean water to residents in these two villages.

In addition to the clean water shortages, Abdul Muhari reminded local governments to increase vigilance against the threat of forest and land fires.