February 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is grappling with severe dry weather conditions that have left a lasting impact on thousands of families.
According to the latest report from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 2,295 households, comprising 12,308 individuals, have been significantly affected by the ongoing drought.
The hardest-hit regions include the districts of Ratnapura and Kalutara, where water shortages and high temperatures have taken a heavy toll on the local population.
In response to the crisis, the DMC has assured the public that efforts to distribute drinking water to those in need are underway.
Teams have been deployed to ensure that affected communities receive access to the vital resource, though challenges remain due to the escalating demand for water.
The extreme heat has led to an unprecedented surge in water consumption, which has put additional strain on the already limited water resources.
As the situation continues to worsen, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has issued a public appeal, urging citizens to use water cautiously.
The NWSDB has advised that water should be reserved primarily for essential purposes, as the nation’s reservoirs have been running dangerously low.
In light of the dwindling water supply, the NWSDB has also warned that some areas may experience reduced water pressure, with certain regions, particularly those in the highlands, being served on a rotational basis.
The authorities have stressed the importance of responsible water management to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
The DMC and NWSDB have emphasised that this ongoing challenge calls for collective action to minimise the impact on vulnerable communities and prevent further strain on the country’s water systems.
