TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The dry season, which has been going on since last May, has started to take its toll. At least 42 villages in seven districts in Tuban, East Java are experiencing drought.
"The number of affected areas could rise because this month is just the beginning of the drought, which is predicted to be until November," Setyo Teguh Budi, spokesman for the Tuban Regency, said yesterday.
Other areas that could potentially be hit by drought include sub-districts Senori, Grabagan, Parengan, Semanding, Soko, Kerek, dan Montong. Residents have started to have trouble getting water. Some even resorted to digging their wells up to 100-120 meters deep.
Drought also hit the southern part of Ciamis Regency, where farmers are forced to use water pumps to irrigate their fields.
The worst condition is experienced by residents of South Central Timor regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The severe drought has resulted in crop failure. Currently, there are seven villages where residents are forced to consume animal fodder. "It becomes be an alternative food after there is no more food," said Yohana Neonmatus, resident of Oebelo village.
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