BPBD: 13 villages in Central Bangka experiencing drought

The Central Bangka Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) in Bangka Belitung Islands Province has recorded 13 villages and one urban ward in the region experiencing drought due to a dry season that has lasted for the past two months.

Head of Central Bangka BPBD Yudhi Sabara in Koba on Sunday said the drought is spread across several areas in a number of sub-districts in the region.

“The villages recorded as experiencing a water crisis during the dry season are Cambai, South Cambai, Mangkol, Sungkap, Celuak, Namang and West Kurau,” he said.

He added that other areas also affected by drought include Belimbing, Kulur, Kulur Ilir, Nibung, Mesu and Baskara Bhakti villages.

“We have already distributed clean water to several villages in coordination with the River Basin Agency of the Ministry of Public Works as the coordinator of the drought task force,” he said.

Central Bangka BPBD continues to coordinate with various parties to ensure that the needs of communities in other drought-affected villages are also properly addressed.

The coordination is carried out as a step to obtain handling support, especially for residents who are beginning to experience difficulty meeting their water needs.

Central Bangka BPBD also reminded residents to use water wisely during the dry season affecting several areas of the regency.

Residents are urged to promptly report water shortages to the local government so that handling can be carried out according to needs on the ground.

The drought condition is a concern for the regional government because the dry season not only impacts water availability but also increases the risk of forest and land fires.

BPBD continues to monitor affected areas and coordinate with village and urban ward governments to anticipate the impacts of the dry season.

“We hope these measures can accelerate handling should the drought conditions widen and the community’s water needs continue to increase,” Yudhi Sabara said.