What East Nusa Tenggara’s seven-area drought alert means

Kupang — Seven districts or cities in East Nusa Tenggara entered the meteorological-drought alert category for the first ten days of November 2026, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The alert covered Kabupaten Kupang, Malaka, Rote Ndao, Sabu Raijua, Sumba Timur, Timor Tengah Selatan and Kota Kupang.

BMKG’s climate update classified parts of East Nusa Tenggara under the highest “Awas” level for meteorological drought during Dasarian I November 2026, covering 1–10 November.

The report identified affected areas within the seven districts and cities. These included Amarasi Barat, Amarasi Selatan, Kupang Barat, Nekamese, Semau and Semau Selatan in Kabupaten Kupang; eight areas in Malaka; eleven in Rote Ndao; two in Sabu Raijua; eight in Sumba Timur; six in Timor Tengah Selatan; and Alak in Kota Kupang.

The report said the prolonged dry conditions had produced water shortages across the province.

Why the drought alert matters to readers

The alert signals heightened pressure on water availability in East Nusa Tenggara during a period when rainfall is expected to remain limited.

For communities in the listed areas, the combination of a formal drought alert, extended rain-free periods and lower rainfall prospects increases the risk of continued water stress. The alert applies to the specified early-November period, while BMKG’s wider outlook extends the El Niño influence into early 2027.

Sources

• Tribun Kupang — news report
• Lensa Sumbawa — regional news organisation; lists Kupang, Malaka, Rote Ndao, Sabu Raijua, Sumba Timur, Timor Tengah Selatan and Kota Kupang as NTT areas in the