Drought hazard assessment in urban areas: A case of Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Drought has a significant impact on many sectors. Urban areas also have tended to more vulnerable to the drought events since it consists of complex urban systems and high urban population. This study addresses to assess the drought hazard level in Bantul Regency and compares the results with urban development. This study used both primary and secondary data collection methods, i.e., field observation and document review. Precipitation data collected from 12 rainfall stations in Bantul Regency from 2008-2018. This study was conducted by using quantitative research methods. Drought hazard levels were analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) method. While urbanization levels were assessed using a scoring technique. The results reveal that the drought hazard is not always in line with urban development but is also influenced by other factors. Drought in urban areas is more complex. It is not only affected by precipitation factors as meteorological drought in general, but also natural, population, and activity characteristics that affect the balance of water supply and demand. Further, the distribution of rainfall stations also influences the validity of rain data and its calculations. Drought disaster mitigation in urban areas requires more attention from stakeholders regarding the sustainability of cities.