Facing a long dry season, DKI BPBD focuses on clean water availability

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD DKI) states that the availability of clean water for the public and disaster risks are the focus of handling in facing the long dry season and El Niño. “We are focusing on mitigation steps to minimise the impact of drought and other disaster risks in the Jakarta area,” said the Acting Head of BPBD DKI, Isnawa Adji, in Jakarta on Monday. According to him, the BMKG has issued an early warning regarding the long dry season accompanied by El Niño, so BPBD DKI is striving to mitigate the impacts that will arise. He explained that BPBD DKI is currently coordinating to provide clean water supplies for the public, especially in drought-prone points. “In addition, we are also continuously educating the public on saving clean water,” he said. Isnawa added that the steps taken by BPBD in providing clean water include inter-agency coordination and strengthening collaboration with PAM Jaya, the Water Resources Department (SDA), BAZNAS, and other stakeholders. In addition, they are preparing a water fleet, supporting equipment such as dozens of tanker truck units, water tanks, as well as stationary and mobile Water Treatment Installations (IPA) to serve areas affected by the water crisis. Isnawa added that BPBD is also mitigating fire risks in densely populated areas, considering that El Niño triggers extreme hot weather. For this reason, BPBD is initiating monitoring and repairs of electrical installations in middle-to-lower settlements to prevent electrical short circuits, which are often the main cause of fires during the dry season. “The public is asked to be more meticulous in maintaining electronic devices and electrical plugs, as well as turning off unused electrical currents,” he added.