BNPB: Drought In Puncak Papua Tengah Picu Failed To Harvest, 6 People Died

Illustration: Land barren due to drought in Puncak Regency (ANTARA/HO-Humas Puncak Regency Government)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that drought due to a prolonged dry season accompanied by extreme cold weather in Agandugume District and Lambewi District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, triggered crop failure and resulted in six deaths.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said crop failure made it difficult for residents to get food since June 3, 2023.

The drought also caused local residents to have difficulty getting clean water, resulting in six residents including five adults and a baby dying. Allegedly due to diarrhea and dehydration," Abdul said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, July 31.

Based on a report from the BNPB Control and Operations Center (Pusdalops) compiled from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Puncak Regency as of Sunday (30/7), this drought has affected approximately 7,500 people.

"The emergency handling that has been carried out includes an epidemiological investigation into the victims who died by the Central Papua Provincial Health Office," he said.

In addition, the distribution of food and medical assistance as well as health counseling is also carried out regularly. This health monitoring and treatment operation was also accompanied by the Papua Regional Emergency Medical Team (EMT).

Meanwhile, the Puncak Regency Government also distributes logistical assistance and equipment which includes 4,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, 4,000 packages of children's food, 2,000 packages of ready-to-eat side dishes, 500 rolled tents, 25 boxes of sardines, 32 boxes of cornets, 83 boxes of sausages, 15 boxes of beef, 18 boxes of biscuits, 3,000 sets of school uniforms, 4,000 sets of adult clothes, 4,000 sheets of adult pants, and 4,000 sheets of blankets.