BNPB: Drought In Papua Not Because There Is No Rain

Head of the BNPB Disaster Information and Communication Data Center Abdul Muhari during a virtual 'Disaster Briefing: Drought in Papua' on Monday 7 August. (Ist)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said that the drought in Central Papua that had claimed 6 lives was not caused by the absence of rain.

This was conveyed by the Head of the BNPB Disaster Information and Communication Data Center Abdul Muhari during a virtual 'Disaster Briefing: Drought in Papua' on Monday 7 August.

"When we talk about drought in Papua, this drought is not because there is no rain," said Abdul, quoted from the BNPB Indonesia YouTube channel.

Abdul said that until now BNPB estimates that the number of victims affected by this drought is 7,500 people. They are residents of three districts in Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province

"The three affected districts are Lambewi, Agandugume, and Oneri. On a risk map, three districts are at risk of drought," he said.

The prolonged dry season accompanied by extreme weather triggers crop failure in the Districts of Agandugume, Lambewi and Oneri.

BNPB said this was an annual phenomenon that occurred from May, June and July. It is marked by hail accompanied by ice fog that can cause plants and tubers to rot so that it is not suitable for consumption.