Indonesia's West Nusa Tenggara faces extreme drought, 17 sub-districts on high alert

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Indonesia, faces an extreme meteorological drought, with 17 sub-districts across seven districts now on high alert. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has designated these areas as "awas" (alert) due to the prolonged dry season, exacerbated by the strengthening El Nino phenomenon.

Monitoring data reveals that some locations, such as the Belo and Bolo rain stations in Bima Regency, have not recorded any rainfall for 74 consecutive days. This extended period without rain places these areas in the "extreme drought" category, defined as more than two months without precipitation. The strengthening El Nino is projected to continue for several more months, further intensifying the dry conditions.

The drought poses significant risks, including potential clean water crises and an increased likelihood of forest and land fires. The situation is compounded by the potential shift of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) to a positive phase between September and December 2026, which could further influence weather patterns in the region.

Seven out of NTB's 10 regencies and cities are affected, with specific sub-districts identified as being at the highest level of drought warning. The BMKG's assessment highlights the severity of the dry spell and the urgent need for preparedness and potential water management strategies in the affected regions.

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Pos Hujan Belo and Pos Hujan Bolo in Bima Regency have not recorded any rain for 74 consecutive days. These two areas are categorized as extremely dry because they have gone more than two months without rain.