PADANG, Indonesia — Residents of the Pasa Ambacang neighborhood in Kuranji District, Padang City, grew increasingly concerned on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) about the potential for disease outbreaks as the prolonged drought continues to disrupt daily life, particularly due to worsening clean water shortages and unhygienic drainage conditions.
Household waste has accumulated in drainage channels behind homes, emitting foul odors and raising health concerns. With no water flow to carry waste away, the drains have become stagnant since the drought began late last year.
“The ditches are dry and the waste is no longer flowing. Mosquitoes are increasing, and we’re worried about disease outbreaks,” said Yuhandri Syaf, a local resident, warning that dengue fever poses a serious risk, especially to children.
Residents are urging the Padang City administration to go beyond temporary water deliveries by tanker trucks and implement long-term solutions to address the drought. The urgency has intensified as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches.
“Ramadan is almost here. We hope for a permanent solution so we don’t continue struggling to find water, especially for ablution and preparing pre-dawn meals,” Yuhandri said.
The drought affecting Pasa Ambacang has persisted since late 2025 and shows no clear signs of easing. As a result, residents have been forced to seek alternative water sources, often located far from their homes.
Yuhandri said he travels more than one kilometer each day by motorcycle to collect water from a well near a bridge. Although a shorter route is available on foot, carrying heavy jerry cans makes it impractical.
“I transport at least nine jerry cans every morning and evening,” he said, adding that the routine has become an additional burden alongside his responsibilities as the family’s main breadwinner.
His wife, Rosi, said the lack of clean water has made basic household tasks increasingly difficult, from cooking and washing to maintaining personal hygiene.
Without immediate and sustained intervention, residents fear the prolonged drought could escalate into a broader public health crisis. (trb)