Drought in Central and East Java Prompts BNPB to Distribute Clean Water

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has reported that drought disasters causing clean water crises are impacting hundreds of families in Central Java and East Java. Local governments, together with the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), are carrying out emergency response by distributing clean water aid. Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, stated that based on data from the BNPB Directorate of Operational Control Coordination as of Sunday (5/7) at 07.00 WIB, several regions have begun reporting drought events as a result of the dry season. “Entering the dry season, drought disasters impacting clean water crises are starting to occur in several areas. Local governments and BPBDs continue to take swift action to meet the basic needs of affected communities, particularly the provision of clean water,” said Abdul Muhari on Sunday (5/7). In Semarang Regency, Central Java Province, drought occurred in Kemitir Village, Sumowono District, on Saturday (4/7). The event affected 60 families or 84 individuals. As a response measure, the Semarang Regency BPBD coordinated with the village government to conduct an assessment at the affected location while distributing clean water aid. A total of two water tanks with approximately 5,000 litres were distributed to residents in Ngoho Hamlet, Kemitir Village. Meanwhile, in Pasuruan Regency, East Java, drought has also reduced the availability of clean water in Kadungrejo Village, Winongan District. Based on a report received on Saturday (4/7), the condition has affected at least 240 families. The Pasuruan Regency BPBD has carried out emergency response by distributing four trips of clean water aid to Krajan 5 Hamlet and Grobyok Hamlet to meet the community’s needs. Abdul Muhari urged the public and local governments to increase preparedness for potential dry hydrometeorological disasters during the dry season. “The public is advised to use water wisely, refrain from burning land, and increase vigilance against the potential for forest and land fires as well as drought,” he said. BNPB has requested local governments to continue strengthening mitigation efforts through monitoring drought-prone areas, resource preparedness, and ensuring the availability of clean water for communities in areas potentially experiencing drought.