BMKG: 10 Regencies In NTT In Drought Disaster Preparedness

Illustration - Dry agricultural land during the dry season in NTT. (ANTARA/Aloysius Lewokeda)

LARANTUKA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that a number of areas spread across 10 districts in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) were in a meteorological drought alert condition. "The drought alert areas experience Rainless Days (HTH) for more than 31 days with opportunities above 70 percent," said Head of BMKG Climatology Station Rahmattulloh Adji in a statement received in Larantuka, Antara, Thursday, June 15. He conveyed this related to the early warning of meteorological drought in the NTT region. Adji said a number of sub-districts had drought alert status, including Southwest Alor and Central Pantar in Alor Regency, then Central Amfoang and North Amfoang in Kupang Regency, and Elar in Manggarai Regency. In addition, Riung and Riung Barat in Ngada Regency. Another area that is on standby for the drought of Landu Leko, Rote Barat, Rote Barat Laut in Rote Ndao Regency, Raijua in Sabu Raijua Regency; Lamboya, Loli, Tana Righu, and Wanokaka in West Sumba Regency; Kodi, Kodi Balaghar, Kodi Bangedo, North Kodi, Loura, South Wewewa, West Wewewa, Central Wewewa, and North Wewewa in Southwest Sumba Regency. In addition, Katiku Tana, Katiku Tana Selatan, Mamboro, Umbu Ratu Ngay, and Umbu Ratu Ngay Barat in Central Sumba Regency, as well as Haharu, Kambata, Mapang Buhang, Waingapu City, Lewa Tidalu, Mahu, Ngadu Ngala, Ngaha Ori Angu, Rindi, and Wulla Waijelu in East Sumba Regency. Adji appealed to residents in various sub-districts to increase preparedness for the threat of drought that has an impact on various sectors such as agriculture with a rainy system. Farmers, he said, need to anticipate drought by choosing suitable plants or not needing a lot of water to grow so that they are more likely to provide results. Drought also has an impact on reducing groundwater supplies, causing scarcity of clean water. Therefore, he said, residents need to save on the use of clean water so that existing supplies can meet their needs.

Adji also reminded residents to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) by avoiding actions that could trigger hotspots in open areas where piles of leaves or dry grass are easily struck by fire.