"We keep coordinating with the local drinking water company to supply clean water to drought-affected areas," the agency`s executive chairman, Muklis, said on Sunday.
The villages are located in Wanasalam, Sajira, Cipanas, Cilograng and Cimarga sub-districts, he said.
Many residents in the sub-districts are running a short of clean water after their wells and water sources began to dry up, he noted.
"I think the drought happens after there is no rain in the past few weeks," he pointed out.
He said the BPBD is cooperating with the Lebak district drinking water company in supplying clean water to the residents.
"We are making every effort to help the people facing clean water shortage," he said.
He said the people who live in the drought-affected areas have begun using river water for consuming, bathing, and washing although it has the potential to cause diarrhea.
"We have asked the people to cook the river water until it boils to prevent communicable diseases," he said.
A number of residents in Cimarga sub-district said they have begun taking water from Cisimeut river for bathing and washing.
"I am used to using river water in a time of clean water crisis due to drought," Maman, local resident, said.
Reporting by Mansyur
(S012/B003)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
