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Some regions suffer drought, others starting to enjoy rain as dry season nears end
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The impact of the prolonged dry season is being felt in many areas. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
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number of regions in the country have reported the onset of drought conditions as the prolonged dry season drags on, while other regions have started to enjoy their first rainfall in months.
The 23 regencies and cities across East Nusa Tenggara have still reported no rain, with droughts hitting some parts of East Manggarai regency on Flores Island since June.
East Manggarai secretary Bonifasius Hasudungan said he had discussed on Sept. 10 with officials from the Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Food Agency as well as Public Works and Housing Agency to cope with drought in the regency.
“I have instructed the head of the Disaster Mitigation Agency for more intense patrols by its officers. Meanwhile, the Public Works and Housing Agency will be on standby to help if there is a water emergency,” Bonifasius told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
Three villages in Sambirampas district, East Manggarai, have reported that residents cannot get clean water and must queue to get water from wells in nearby villages.
“As an emergency step I have sent water tanker trucks there because water sources in these three villages have dried up. We are also looking for long-term solutions that can be inserted in the 2020 budget,” he added.
BPBD East Manggarai head Antonius Dergong said that although the agency had yet to formally report a drought in Sambirampas to the local administration, it would distribute clean water to the area if residents reported that they experienced difficulties in getting water.
