Several Areas in Cirebon Hit by Drought, Residents Struggle with Clean Water Crisis
The dry season has begun to impact Cirebon Regency, with several villages now experiencing drought and struggling to obtain clean water for their daily needs. This situation was previously anticipated by the Cirebon Regency Government, which declared a state of emergency for drought and land fires starting 1 July 2026. The status provides a basis for the local government to strengthen handling efforts and anticipate the widening impact of the dry season.
According to the Acting Chief Executive of the Cirebon Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Samsul Huda, reports have so far come in from three sub-districts: Gegesik, Klangenan, and Sedong. In response, the BPBD has begun distributing clean water aid to several locations facing supply difficulties. As of yesterday, aid had been channelled to four villages: Sibubut in Gegesik, Slangit in Klangenan, Sampiran in Talun, and Panongan Lor in Sedong. A total of 24,000 litres of clean water has been distributed, transported using a fleet of tankers with a capacity of approximately 4,000 litres per trip. This distribution serves as initial handling to ensure the basic needs of the community are met amid limited water sources due to the dry season.
Based on data mapping of drought incidents over the past three years, BPBD has identified five sub-districts with high potential for clean water crises: Klangenan, Gegesik, Sedong, Mundu, and Gempol. The agency notes that the impact of the clean water crisis could potentially affect around 563,000 residents spread across these drought-prone areas. This condition is a concern for the government, as the number of villages and residents requiring clean water supplies may continue to increase if the dry season persists.
In addition to relying on water distribution using tanker trucks, the Cirebon Regency Government is also preparing long-term handling measures. The local government has coordinated with the Deputy for Emergency Management of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to propose the construction of 10 new boreholes in areas prone to water crises.