Drought Spreads Across Several Regions, Thousands Face Clean Water Crisis

The dry season has begun to trigger a clean water crisis in several areas, including Banyumas and Cilacap in Central Java. Local disaster mitigation agencies (BPBD) in both regencies have distributed aid to affected residents while remaining vigilant for the potential spread of the drought. In Banyumas Regency, the BPBD has distributed 20,000 litres of clean water to two areas experiencing water shortages: Sokanegara Urban Village in Purwokerto Timur District and Tamansari Village in Karanglewas District. Abdul Ladjis, Head of Emergency and Logistics at Banyumas BPBD, stated that these two locations were the first to receive clean water aid this dry season. “As of today, we have distributed water to two locations, namely Sokanegara Urban Village and Tamansari Village,” he said on Tuesday. Data from the Banyumas BPBD Operations Control Centre indicates that 574 families, or approximately 1,705 individuals, have been affected by the clean water crisis in these two areas. The 20,000 litres of clean water aid was distributed to meet the basic needs of the community. To date, the BPBD has not received reports of public facilities being affected by the drought, but the impact of the dry season is expected to widen. Banyumas BPBD also received a report on Tuesday regarding a potential clean water crisis in Karanglewas Village, Jatilawang District. According to Abdul Ladjis, officers have been deployed to conduct a rapid assessment to ascertain the conditions on the ground before aid is distributed. “We are still conducting an assessment, including checking the readiness of water storage facilities so that distribution can proceed smoothly,” he said. Meanwhile, the clean water crisis is also expanding in Cilacap Regency. The local BPBD has recorded at least three areas experiencing drought due to declining well and spring water levels. The affected areas include Karangaglik Hamlet in Karangkemiri Village, Jeruklegi District; Bondan Hamlet in Ujungalang Village, Kampunglaut District; and East Cinangsi and Darmajaya Hamlets in Cinangsih Village, Gandrungmangu District. A rapid assessment by the BPBD showed that 264 families, or around 746 individuals, are struggling to obtain clean water for their daily needs. The declining water discharge has left supplies unable to meet the community’s needs, forcing some residents to fetch water from more distant locations as nearby wells and springs begin to dry up. Cilacap BPBD Head Taryo stated that his team conducted an assessment immediately after receiving reports from village officials. As an initial measure, the BPBD has distributed 5,000 litres of clean water to each of the villages of Karangkemiri, Ujungalang, and Cinangsih. Taryo added that water distribution will continue in stages if the drought persists and the community’s needs increase. In addition to distributing clean water aid, the BPBD is strengthening coordination with village and sub-district governments to ensure a swift and targeted response.