BMKG warns Sikka of meteorological drought

Maumere — BMKG’s meteorological-drought warning covers parts of East Nusa Tenggara, including Sikka, during the second ten-day period of October 2026, according to reports published on 14 October 2026.

Sikka Regent Juventus Prima Yoris Kaborang urged residents to remain alert as the dry conditions could reduce water availability and raise the risk of forest and land fires. The warning was discussed during a meeting with the Bishop, priests and Catholic community in Maumere on 13 October.

The warning comes as Sikka continues recovering from the Flores earthquake on 15 August 2026. The regent said several villages had already felt the effects of drought, while the district’s post-earthquake recovery was gradually progressing with support from community and religious leaders.

Why it matters to readers

Dry conditions in Sikka form part of a wider East Nusa Tenggara risk identified by BMKG. The agency’s outlook for the second ten-day period of October placed much of Indonesia under low-rainfall conditions, with Nusa Tenggara among the areas requiring attention.

The agency also said that dry conditions had not ended, although heavy rain remained possible in some parts of Indonesia.

Reports said the potential effects in Sikka included a water crisis, prolonged dry weather and environmental problems. The district authorities’ response was framed alongside continued recovery from the Flores earthquake, including earlier visits by local officials and priests to Nitung Lea village in Palue subdistrict, one of the affected areas.

The latest reports did not state a separate end date for the drought warning or announce a new emergency measure. BMKG’s published outlook covered the second ten-day period of October 2026.

Sources

• Tribunnews Kupang — regional news report
• RRI Ende — regional public broadcaster report