Not Just a Water Crisis, 71 Houses in Parepare Damaged by Strong Winds During Dry Season

PAREPARE, KOMPAS.com – The prolonged dry season in Parepare City, South Sulawesi, has not only made it difficult for residents to access clean water.

The dry weather has been accompanied by strong winds, which have damaged dozens of homes and caused trees to fall in various areas.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Parepare City has recorded at least 71 houses affected by the strong winds.

These houses are spread across four districts within Parepare City.

BPBD Parepare’s Head of Operations, Muhammad Rasdy Gery Runtu, said that response efforts began after officials verified reports from residents.

“As of today, the verified process shows 71 houses across four districts have been affected by strong winds,” he said on Tuesday (9/22/2026).

Amid these conditions, the drought issue has also drawn the BPBD’s attention.

Several residents are experiencing water shortages, prompting the government to take action involving the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM).

BPBD Parepare has been assisting water supply through PDAM to residents affected by the drought-related crisis.

Besides residential areas, several mosques have also faced difficulties obtaining water.

“In Parepare, most mosques are experiencing water shortages,” he added.

In addition to addressing water needs, BPBD is coordinating with Parepare’s Agriculture Office to follow up on drought-impacted farmland conditions.

Another impact during the dry season has been fallen trees across several parts of Parepare City.

Two districts on drought alert status

Currently, four districts have different drought statuses as determined by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Regional Area IV.

The BPBD of Parepare noted that two districts are on alert status, while two others have already been placed on drought warning status.

“As of now, during the current El Niño in September, two districts are on drought alert, and two districts are on drought warning,” he explained.

The two districts under alert status are Ujung and Soreang Districts, while Bacukiki and West Bacukiki Districts have been declared in drought warning status.

These statuses were established based on information from BMKG Regional Area IV, which was then conveyed to the Parepare City Government and local district officials.

According to him, the drought conditions remain a critical situation continuously monitored by BPBD Parepare.

“This determination comes from BMKG Regional Area IV. We relay it to the city government and district officials. Regarding the drought itself, the main occurrence we are experiencing now is the drought,” he added.

This status mapping serves as a foundation for local government and district officials to enhance vigilance against the drought impacts that may arise during the El Niño period.