As the dry season is about to reach its peak, the government of Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, has deployed 24 mobile water pumps to five drought-prone regions to reduce the risks of water shortages as well as forest and land fires.
On Friday in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Andi Sumangerukka stated that Bombana Regency and East Kolaka Regency will each receive six water pumps.
He said that South Konawe Regency and Kendari City will each receive five pumps, with the remaining two allocated to Kolaka Regency.
He indicated that these water pumps are assistance provided directly by the provincial government to high-risk drought areas to help local governments and communities cope with potential water supply disruptions and fire hotspots during the dry season.
The provincial government has also prepared related logistical supplies, including two family tents and relief materials for West Muna Regency, as well as a 5,000-liter water tanker truck for North Buton Regency.
In addition, authorities have prepared another nine water tanker trucks for use in areas at high risk of water shortage and forest or land fires, including Kolaka, Konawe, South Konawe, Bombana, Central Buton, Baubau, and Kendari.
Sumangerukka pointed out that ten other areas in the province are facing a moderate drought risk.
He said that the authorities will prepare and allocate related equipment based on the drought situation in each area and also plan to allocate funds this year to purchase firefighting equipment to further support regions prone to fire hazards.
He stated that Southeast Sulawesi is expected to experience the peak of its dry season between September and October of 2026, when drought risks will further increase, making it especially important for the government to provide early assistance and equipment.