Grobogan Declares 184-Day Drought Emergency Alert Status

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has announced that the Groborkan Regency Government, Central Java, has established an emergency alert status for managing drought and forest and land fires for a period of 184 days. This serves as the basis for implementing mitigation measures against the impacts of the dry season.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the emergency status was officially set based on the Grobogan Regent’s Decree Number 100.3.3.2/418/2026.

“The emergency alert status is effective from 1 May until 31 October 2026, providing the foundation for implementing mitigation steps and managing the impacts of the dry season,” he said.

This tactical move was taken following the onset of clean water crises in several locations due to the recent dry season. The drought has also resulted in a decrease in river discharge, which serves as a primary water source for the community.

Consequently, the BNPB hopes that this emergency status declaration will optimise the deployment of resources to handle and minimise the widespread impacts of drought in Grobogan Regency.

According to regional mapping, Gedangan Village in the Wirosari District has become the area most severely affected by the drought.

The BNPB Operations Control Centre confirmed that 55 households are currently struggling to access clean water for their daily needs.

Abdul noted that as part of the rapid response measures under this emergency status, the Grobogan Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has begun distributing water supplies directly to residential areas.

“A total of 10,500 litres of clean water have been supplied using three water tanker trucks,” he added.