PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - In order to anticipate the impact of the peak dry season, the West Java Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has prepared various steps to prevent drought, forest and land fires that often occur in the West Java Province.

Acting Head of West Java BPBD Anne Hermadianne Adnan asked all parties to be aware of the impacts of disasters that often occur, especially in areas that are usually hit by drought.

"August is the peak of the dry season. This can trigger various drought phenomena, forest fires, lack of clean water to crop failure," said Anne in Bandung City, Thursday (8/29/2024).

According to Anne, there are various efforts that the community can make during this dry season, namely by protecting water sources, not destroying forests/nature reserves.

In the context of agriculture, according to Anne, using mulch, which is a covering material for cultivated plants, maintains soil moisture and suppresses the growth of weeds and diseases so that plants can grow well.

"To meet the family's needs by making rainwater reservoirs around the yard," he said.

Meanwhile, the West Java BPBD's Young Expert Public Relations Officer, Hadi Rahmat, appealed to the public to immediately report to the authorities if their area is experiencing drought and it is difficult to obtain clean water, and to arrange a schedule for using the remaining water.

"Immediately report and ask for clean water assistance from the authorities. Don't forget to listen to the latest information on radio, television, online media, and official government information sources regarding the possibility of information needed by the community," he said.

Hadi emphasized that post-drought, people can also do various things before the rainy season arrives, such as making infiltration wells/biopores, or reservoirs to collect rainwater.

"Collectively, we can create reservoirs to collect rainwater and use it during the dry season," said Hadi.