The dry season is coming

The dry season is coming

Rain has not fallen for several weeks in Jakarta and its surrounding areas. The weather can no longer be predicted and the natural weather pattern has apparently changed. Rain still fell in several areas of Greater Jakarta in May when the dry season began.

Heat waves hit several areas in parts of the northern hemisphere this month, including in India where at least 100 people have died due to dehydration.

In Indonesia, forest fires, which always occur in the dry season, have caused air pollution in Riau and Kalimantan. The fires have also generated haze that disrupts flights in the neighboring country of Malaysia. Drought has struck a large number of rice fields in several areas in Java, interrupting the planting season.

In such a dry season fire can easily break out anywhere. Therefore, residents should be extra careful when using stoves. Having the electricity connected to their homes is suggested.

Dry season-related diseases are also looming, especially in slums and other densely populated residential areas. And last but not least, the use of groundwater must decrease during the dry season.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta