Kendari, Aug. 28 -- The Southeast Sulawesi provincial government has deployed 24 portable water pumps to five drought-prone areas to reduce risks of water shortages and wildfires as Indonesia's dry season approaches its peak.

Speaking in Kendari on Friday, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Andi Sumangerukka said Bombana and East Kolaka Districts would each receive six pumps.

"South Konawe District and Kendari City will each receive five units, while the remaining two will go to Kolaka District," he said.

Sumangerukka described the pump distribution as direct government assistance for communities facing high drought risks during the dry season.

"The assistance is expected to help governments in the five areas respond quickly to disrupted wat...