Ciamis Regency declares three‑month emergency over severe drought

The Ciamis Regency in West Java, Indonesia, has officially entered a three‑month emergency status for drought, running from 1 July to 30 September 2026. The declaration aims to strengthen rapid response and preparedness, following a rapid expansion of dry zones across the region and the influence of an El Niño event.

The drought has left at least 123 households, roughly 310 residents, without reliable clean water, prompting the regional disaster agency (BNPB) to dispatch a 5,000‑litre water‑tank truck to the most affected villages. Authorities cite BMKG data showing a sharp increase in dry zones, now covering over 30 % of the country’s land area, with further expansion expected through July.

The emergency measures are intended to safeguard public health, maintain agricultural productivity, and mitigate the broader regional water shortage that also affects neighboring districts such as Tasikmalaya, Cirebon and Bekasi.