TEMPO.CO, Bogor – The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasted drought in Greater Jakarta (Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, Depok and Bekasi) would continue until late October.

Dedy Sucahyono, chief of BMKG in Dramaga, said the conditions were caused by seasonal factors: high evaporation coupled by low humidity that resulted in thin vapor in the atmosphere.

“Despite the dry season, the situation is still normal because local rains usually take place weekly” Dedi told Tempo on September 24, 2014.

According to Dedi, the average temperature in Bogor and its outskirts hovered around 32 degrees Celsius—which is normal. However, he added, the ongoing dry season had brought about drought in a number of areas. “Indeed, drought can be felt in several areas,” he said.

Dedi said some areas in West Java were now undergoing drought and had not seen the rain in the past 30 days, among them Karawang (Batujaya, Pedes, Teluk Buyung), Subang (Dangdeur, Salam Darma, Barugbug, Karang Anyar, Pusaka Negara, Subang, Cinangling, Pegaden), Purwakarta (Purwakata, Cibukamanah, Cinangka, Campaka).

Dedi added drought also occurs in Indramayu (Tulang Kacang, Juntinyuat, Losarang, Cidempet, Indramayu, Krangkeng, Sukadana, Bondan), Cirebon (South Setupatok Selatan, Sindang Laut, Sedong, Jatiseeng, Cangkuang, Seuseupan), Majalengka (Jatiwangi, Karang Sambung, Sadawangi, Banjaran, Sunia, Sukahaji, Pajajar, Leuweunggede), Kuningan (Cikeusik), Garut (Leles), Bandung (Ciparay), Sukabumi (Lengkong).

In Bogor, meanwhile, drought and clean water crises hit several districts, including Babakanmadang, Gunungputri, Klapanunggal, Jonggol, Sukamakmur and Cariu.

M. SIDIK PERMANA