February 18, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is currently experiencing disruptions to its water supply as a result of the ongoing dry weather, affecting several regions across the country.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has issued a warning that some areas may face interruptions to their water supply during peak hours, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
Other regions may continue to receive water, but at lower pressures.
The NWSDB has attributed these challenges to a significant rise in water consumption, driven by the prolonged dry conditions that have seen rainfall levels dip considerably.
Whilst the Board has assured the public that it has not yet made a decision to implement planned water cuts, it is encouraging residents to conserve water and use it responsibly during this period of scarcity.
To mitigate the potential impact, the NWSDB is urging households to store water in advance, should the situation worsen.
Whilst the situation is being closely monitored, the Board continues to explore ways to manage water distribution in the face of these challenging weather conditions.
In addition to water supply issues, the Department of Meteorology has issued an urgent heatwave warning, alerting the public to exceptionally high temperatures across several provinces.
The warning, which covers the Northern, North Central, North Western, Western, and Southern provinces, as well as specific areas within the Ratnapura district, highlights the danger posed by the high heat index.
This index, which measures how hot it feels on the human body, has now reached levels that warrant caution and awareness.
The Department has advised the public to take appropriate precautions, including staying well-hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and seeking shelter in shaded areas when possible.
Special care is urged for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
The highest temperature recorded in the past 24 hours was in Ratnapura, where the mercury hit a sweltering 36.6°C, further underscoring the extreme conditions being faced by many areas.
