TULUNGAGUNG – A looming Tulungagung drought threat has placed around 8,810 residents across nine districts at risk of clean water shortages ahead of Indonesia’s 2026 dry season.
The local Disaster Management Agency, known as BPBD Tulungagung, said about 3,740 households could face water scarcity if the upcoming dry season lasts longer than expected. Authorities have already mapped vulnerable areas to speed up emergency response efforts.
BPBD chief Sudarmaji said the agency classified drought-prone zones into light and moderate risk categories. The mapping allows officials to quickly distribute clean water once demand rises during the peak of the dry season.
“We have mapped drought potential since the beginning. When clean water demand increases, distribution can immediately begin,” Sudarmaji said on Thursday.
The affected areas include the districts of Kalidawir, Besuki, Pucanglaban, Campurdarat, Rejotangan, Tanggunggunung, Bandung, Pagerwojo, and Gondang.
Tanggunggunung recorded the highest drought risk. Officials identified three villages and eight hamlets in the district as vulnerable to severe water shortages. The hilly landscape and limited water sources leave the area struggling with recurring dry-season crises almost every year.
Kalidawir and Pagerwojo also face significant risks, each covering three villages and four hamlets categorized as drought-prone. Besuki district includes three villages and three hamlets under similar monitoring.
To prepare for the Tulungagung drought threat, BPBD has readied 50 water storage tanks to support emergency clean water distribution. The agency plans to place the tanks in vulnerable locations once requests for assistance increase.
“If a village requests clean water aid, we can immediately send a water tank and fill it. Residents will not need to wait too long,” Sudarmaji said.
The agency has also prepared two water tanker trucks to maintain supply deliveries during the dry season. Distribution will take place gradually based on conditions in each affected area.
Beyond drought risks, BPBD continues monitoring other potential disasters linked to extreme weather. Mountainous areas such as Pagerwojo, Sendang, Kalidawir, Pucanglaban, and Tanggunggunung remain vulnerable to landslides during periods of heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, flooding frequently affects Rejotangan, Kalidawir, Campurdarat, and Bandung districts. Authorities urged residents living in disaster-prone areas to remain alert as weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable during the seasonal transition period.
“We hope residents stay vigilant, especially in areas vulnerable to landslides, floods, and drought. Weather conditions are becoming harder to predict,” Sudarmaji added.