Cilacap BPBD on alert for meteorological drought threat
The Cilacap Regency Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) in Central Java is continuing to enhance its preparedness for the threat of meteorological drought by monitoring conditions on the ground and strengthening cross-sector coordination.
Head of the Cilacap Regency BPBD, Taryo, said in Cilacap on Sunday that the measures were taken following an early warning of meteorological drought issued by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Central Java Climatology Station.
According to BMKG Central Java Climatology Station, Cilacap Regency is among the areas on ‘Awas’ (alert) status for meteorological drought in the third dasarian of August 2026, or the period 21–31 August.
Meteorological drought is a condition caused by a shortage of rainfall in a region over a certain period (weeks, months, or years) below its normal level or historical average. This condition is the earliest phase of the drought disaster cycle, occurring purely in the atmosphere due to weather and climate anomalies.
In relation to this, Taryo said the BPBD continues to monitor developments on the ground and prepare rapid measures should the drought begin to affect the fulfilment of the community’s clean water needs.
“What is clear is that we continue to monitor developments on the ground. And we coordinate and take rapid steps together with relevant stakeholders when there are problems in the field,” he said.
According to him, cooperation with various parties has so far helped the BPBD handle drought problems, including when communities need clean water supplies.
“But thank God, up to now, thanks to cooperation with these parties, every problem that arises can be resolved immediately. This includes fulfilling clean water for communities in need,” he said.
As of Saturday (22/8), the agency had distributed 2.37 million litres of clean water to residents affected by drought in 41 villages across 16 sub-districts.
The clean water was distributed using 462 tanks and has been received by 14,724 families or 37,686 people. Of that total, 92 tanks or 460,000 litres came from the Cilacap Regency regional budget (APBD), while 370 tanks or 1.91 million litres came from corporate social and environmental responsibility (TJSL) funds from businesses and partners.
“Today (23/8), we are again distributing clean water assistance and for the time being it has been distributed to two villages this morning, each receiving 4,000 litres and 5,000 litres for 104 families or 485 people,” he said.
Thus, he said, the total clean water assistance distributed up to Sunday (23/8) morning has temporarily reached 2.379 million litres.
He said clean water distribution is carried out based on the needs and requests of drought-affected areas. According to him, regular monitoring, cross-sector coordination, and water conservation education also continue to be carried out.
“We handle this in stages by looking at the condition of water sources and the needs of residents in the field. We also recommend strengthening coordination between village governments, sub-districts, and the BPBD as well as strengthening clean water supply facilities to meet community needs in the medium term,” said Taryo.