BMKG Issues Drought Warning in 7 Areas in East Nusa Tenggara

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned seven areas in East Nusa Tenggara province of  drought as dry season is predicted to be reaching its peak this month.

Kupang Climatology Station said the seven areas are asked to prepare for imminent drought since they have been without rain for more than 60 days.

“The areas with alert status have been without rain for even more than 61 days, and the possibility of [drought] is above 70 percent,” head of the station Rahmattulloh Adji confirmed on Monday, August 15, as reported by Antara.

The seven areas are Sulamu subdistrict in Kupang regency; Kota Raja and Oebobo in Kupang municipality; Northwest Rote in Rote Ndao regency; Hawu Mehara and Raijua in Sabu Raijua regency; and Haharu in East Sumba regency.

Adji said potential drought must be anticipated as it could affect clear water supply that could lead to scarcity. Furthermore, it could also destroy crops and increase the probability of fires.

The BMKG officer lastly warned public to start mitigating the impacts of drought to minimize losses.