Anticipating Drought in Kudus, BPBD Prepares 2 Tank Cars and 12 Water Tanks

BPBD Kudus, Central Java - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Kudus Regency, Central Java, has prepared two tanker cars and 12 water tanks with a capacity of 2,500 liters to anticipate the impact of drought causing residents to have difficulty with clean water.

"Later, the 'mobile' water tank can be placed in a number of villages whose residents have difficulty with clean water," said the Acting Head of the Kudus Regency BPBD, Eko Hari Djatmiko in Kudus, Friday, quoted by Antara.

With the water tank, he hopes that residents no longer need to wait for the distribution of clean water from the BPBD to come to the location, just take the water from the water tank provided in their village.

Meanwhile, for dropping clean water, he said, BPBD Kudus has two tanker truck fleets with a capacity of 5,000 liters and 3,000 liters. Not including assistance from other parties, such as PDAM Kudus and private companies.

For drought-prone areas, among others, in a number of villages in Undaan, Kaliwungu, Mejobo, and Jekulo Districts. Meanwhile, villages that previously subscribed to clean water during the dry season have also taken steps to anticipate independently by preparing a community-based drinking water and sanitation (Pamsimas) program.

Kudus Regent Sam'ani Intakoris added that in addition to the readiness of the BPBD, the Kudus Regency Government also anticipated the potential for extreme dry seasons that are predicted to occur this year, by collaborating across sectors, from PDAM to the private sector to ensure the availability of clean water in affected areas.

"This effort is focused on drought-prone points so that water assistance distribution can be carried out effectively," he said.

He revealed that the extreme drought, which experts called the "Godzilla" El Nino phenomenon because of its strong intensity and widespread impact, needed to be responded to with quick and collaborative steps.

According to him, the local government has coordinated with various parties, starting from related regional device organizations (OPD), PDAM, sub-districts, village governments, to the private sector to ensure the availability of clean water.

A number of areas such as Kaliwungu and Undaan sub-districts are expected to be the most affected areas during the dry season, although some other areas are still being monitored.

The Kudus Regency Government also encourages the active role of villages in preparing water reserves independently, such as through the procurement of water tanks or Pamsimas.

"If the village is ready independently, it is actually better. The government just strengthens and helps if needed," said Sam'ani.