More than 84,000 people across seven districts have been impacted by dry weather conditions, with authorities distributing drinking water to affected communities while meteorologists predict relief rainfall.
Prolonged dry weather has created widespread hardship across multiple provinces in Sri Lanka, with the Disaster Management Centre reporting that 84,545 individuals from 26,457 families in seven districts are experiencing the effects of the drought. Residents have faced considerable difficulties meeting their daily water needs during the dry spell.
In response to the crisis, government agencies have launched emergency water distribution operations. According to the DMC, drinking water is being supplied to 75,734 people from 24,144 families residing across 22 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in five districts. These efforts aim to address immediate shortages and prevent further hardship in affected communities.
Weather forecasts suggest some relief may be forthcoming. Senior Meteorologist Malith Fernando has predicted showers at various times across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts. Additionally, recent heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Kukuleganga Reservoir has necessitated water release operations, with engineers opening one spillgate to discharge water into the Kuda Ganga at a rate of 20 cubic metres per second.
