Illustrative image (Photo: Antara) Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian Government will provide clean water for the community asan anticipatory step against drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon,Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy said on July 5.
Effendy said decreased rainfall can lead to a shortageof water supply for agricultural and other business activities as well as formeeting the daily needs of people, and it can increase the potential forforest and land fires.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has alreadymapped out areas that have the potential for drought and forest fires, he said, adding that an intervention will be carried out in these areas to minimise theimpact of El Nino.
Meanwhile, the Government will provide assistance to affectedfarmers, he said, noting that the provision of assistance will be similarto the one provided for agricultural land destroyed by flooding.
Earlier, IndonesianPresident Joko Widodo said the water supply from more than 5,000 reservoirs and38 dams built by the Government must be managed properly to deal with theimpact of El Nino./.
