August 23, Colombo (LNW): More than 81,000 people in seven districts are being affected by persistent dry weather, with access to safe drinking water emerging as a growing concern, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The latest figures indicate that 81,865 people, belonging to 25,628 families, have been affected across 23 Divisional Secretariat Divisions. Authorities have linked the worsening conditions to the ongoing influence of the El Niño weather pattern.
Monaragala has recorded the largest impact, with 33,023 people from 10,264 families affected across seven Divisional Secretariat Divisions. Batticaloa is also facing considerable difficulties, with 28,523 people affected in eight divisions.
Ampara has reported 8,783 affected residents, while drinking water has already been supplied to 7,882 people in the district. Communities in Badulla, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura and Hambantota are also experiencing the effects of the prolonged dry spell.
Overall, emergency water supplies are currently reaching 72,153 people in the affected areas as authorities work to prevent the situation from placing further strain on vulnerable communities.
The DMC said relief efforts remain under way, with drinking water distribution being carried out as part of the wider response coordinated through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre.
With rainfall remaining limited in several parts of the country, officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely, particularly in communities where existing water shortages could become more severe if dry conditions persist.