El Nino Intensifies, BMKG Declares NTB on Alert for Extreme Drought

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MATARAM – The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has designated Bima Regency as the only area in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on drought alert due to the intensification of the El Nino phenomenon, which has exacerbated the dry season in the region.

BMKG's Prakirawan Stasiun Klimatologi NTB, Suci Agustiarini, stated that Donggo District holds the record for the longest consecutive dry days in NTB, reaching an staggering 40 days.

"NTB currently has only Bima Regency designated as a drought alert area," Suci explained.

BMKG noted that the entire NTB region has entered the dry season, which has been amplified by the El Nino phenomenon, potentially increasing the risk of drought in various parts of the region.

In addition to Donggo District, which is currently under drought alert, BMKG has also designated several other districts in Bima Regency to be on high alert for drought, including Belo, Bolo, Langgudu, Palibelo, and Parado.

A similar status has been applied to Dompu Regency, covering areas in Kempo and Manggalewa districts, as well as Sumbawa Regency's Empang, Lape, and Plampang districts.

BMKG's Prakirawan Stasiun Klimatologi NTB, Cakra Mahasurya, explained that recent monitoring has shown the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is currently categorized as weak with an index of 1.04; however, this is likely to increase to moderate levels by June 2026.

"The entire NTB region is currently experiencing drought, which has been exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon," Cakra warned.

Alongside ENSO, BMKG is also monitoring the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon, which currently has a negative phase with an index of -0.926. It is predicted to turn positive in July 2026, potentially affecting rainfall patterns in southern Indonesia.

As El Nino intensifies, BMKG urges the public to be vigilant and to conserve water supplies, avoiding waste and ensuring the efficient use of resources.

Residents are also reminded to be cautious of a potential increase in wildfires, ensuring they do not leave fires unattended or engage in hazardous activities.

Although the dry season is intensifying, BMKG still forecasts the possibility of scattered rainfall, especially in the period from June 11 to 20 2026, although it is unlikely to reach above 20 mm per day, reaching a 10-30% probability of occurrence in the aforementioned periods across areas such as Lombok Utara, Lombok Tengah, and Sumbawa, amongst others.

BMKG emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring weather and climate updates to prepare for potential drought impacts during the dry season.

Tag: el nino, drought alert, ntb, meteorology, climate

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