Extreme Drought Hits 140 Locations Across Banten's Cities and Regencies

Banten Governor Andra Soni has stated that seven cities and regencies in Banten Province are experiencing drought due to an extreme dry season triggered by the El Niño Godzilla phenomenon. Andra said there are 140 affected locations spread across Cilegon City, Serang City, South Tangerang City, Serang Regency, Lebak Regency, Pandeglang Regency, and Tangerang Regency. Kota Tangerang is not included in the affected areas. “A total of 140 points across Banten Province are affected, excluding Kota Tangerang,” Andra said in Tangerang on Tuesday (28/7). According to Andra, this year’s dry season is predicted to be the longest in recent years, potentially triggering large-scale drought. As a short-term measure, the Banten Provincial Government has requested all local governments and stakeholders to distribute clean water aid to the affected communities. “We must ask all officials to jointly monitor and follow up on every drought so that the community can at least get their minimum drinking water needs met,” he explained. Andra added that the plan to construct artesian wells is still under study by the Banten Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM), including determining the locations and drilling depths.