"We also provided operational funds and equipment to prevent drought and forest and land fires in NTB," BNPB Head Suharyanto informed in Mataram, NTB, on Tuesday.
His party is also prioritizing six provinces in Indonesia that have experienced major fires and drought, namely Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan.
"In the last six years, NTB has never been included in the priority provinces but has always been in the top 10," Suharyanto noted.
He then outlined several areas in NTB that are prone to drought, namely parts of South Lombok, North Lombok, and the Sumbawa Island region.
Data from the BNPB shows that the drought has affected 71 sub-districts, 272 villages, and 515,205 people in NTB.
"The affected 10 hectares of agricultural land has dried up along with the clean water crisis," he added.
The BNPB and the NTB provincial government have declared an emergency drought alert status in several parts of NTB.
The agency has also distributed 100 tanks of clean water in West Lombok, Suharyanto informed.
"We will work together to meet the community's need for water," he assured.
The logistical support disbursed to NTB province includes water tanks, push pumps, fire hoses, water pumps, and refugee tents.
The total assistance provided amounts to Rp2.3 billion (USD146 thousand), with NTB Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) allocated Rp300 million and 10 districts/cities provided Rp200 million each.
NTB acting governor Hassanudin expressed his appreciation for the aid given by the BNPB.
"Drought threatens various aspects of conditions in NTB, not only impacting agricultural and economic conditions but also impacting public health," he said.
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Translator: Nur Imansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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