Drought in Central and East Java Prompts BNPB to Distribute Clean Water
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported drought-induced clean water crises affecting hundreds of households in Central and East Java. Local governments, alongside Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), are conducting emergency responses by distributing clean water supplies.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Centre for Data, Information, and Disaster Communication, stated that according to data from the BNPB Directorate of Coordination of Operations Control, several regions have begun reporting drought incidents as a result of the dry season. He noted that local governments and BPBD are taking swift action to meet the basic needs of affected communities, particularly regarding clean water provision.
In Semarang Regency, Central Java, drought has hit Kemitir Village in the Sumowono District, affecting 60 households or 84 individuals. As a response, the Semarang Regency BPBD coordinated with the village government to conduct assessments and distribute approximately 5,000 litres of water via two tanks to residents in Ngoho Hamlet.
Similarly, in Pasuruan Regency, East Java, drought has reduced water availability in Kadungrejo Village, Winongan District, impacting at least 240 households. The Pasuruan Regency BPBD has implemented emergency measures by delivering four rounds of clean water supplies to Krajan 5 and Grobyok Hamlets to meet community needs.
Abdul Muhari urged the public and local governments to increase preparedness for potential dry hydrometeorological disasters. He advised citizens to use water wisely, avoid land burning, and remain vigilant against the potential for forest and land fires.
The BNPB has requested that local governments strengthen mitigation efforts through the monitoring of drought-prone areas, resource preparedness, and ensuring the availability of clean water for populations in high-risk regions. This comes amidst reports of weather anomalies, such as heavy rain in northern and equatorial Indonesia, despite the expanding dry season caused by the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Kelvin Waves.