East Java drought: 25 regions request emergency water assistance

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has announced that 25 regions in the province have issued emergency requests for clean water assistance due to severe drought conditions. The dry season, exacerbated by El Nino, has caused wells to dry up and water sources to recede significantly.

To address the crisis, the provincial government is implementing several strategies, including weather modification operations (OMC) in coordination with BMKG to trigger rainfall. Additionally, the government is conducting piping projects to transport water from sources like Mount Arjuno and Mount Bromo to residential areas. In Pagak Village, Malang Regency, officials are evaluating the potential for drilling new wells.

Governor Khofifah and Malang Regent H M Sanusi recently visited Pagak Village to personally distribute clean water and food packages to affected residents. The local government remains on high alert to ensure the daily needs of communities facing water scarcity are met.