Drought hits 11 regencies

SEMARANG: A prolonged drought has extended its sphere of influence in Central Java as residents living in 11 regencies in the province began to run out of water, a provincial legislator said on Thursday.

Secretary of Commission B for Economic Affairs Sutoyo Abadi said based on his recent field study, the drought-stricken regencies were Wonogiri, Boyolali, Pemalang, Sragen, Tegal, Blora, Cilacap, Purworejo, Kebumen, Klaten, Demak and Grobogan.

"We have urged the provincial and regional administrations to take immediate action, which includes allocating funds to build facilities to enable clean water distribution to residents and to local tap water companies in respected regencies to improve their service," he said.

Residents have to walk many kilometers for clean water as the drought has dried up rivers, wells and other water sources. Paddy fields have also been severely affected by the drought. (har/lup)