Drought affects more than 81,000 people across seven districts

More than 81,600 people across seven districts are currently facing the impact of water shortages caused by worsening dry weather conditions, according to the National Disaster Relief Services Centre.

Senior Assistant Secretary of the Centre Prageeth Danansooriya said 81,605 people belonging to 25,563 families in 22 Divisional Secretariat areas across Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Badulla, Monaragala, Hambantota and Ratnapura districts have been affected.

The Government has increased the daily water allocation for drinking and sanitation from six litres to 15 litres per person, while 324 water bowsers are currently being used to supply water to affected communities. Additional bowsers operated by Local Authorities and the Security Forces will be deployed if necessary.

Danansooriya said guidelines have been issued to District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries to provide relief to affected residents. Committees comprising the Divisional Secretary, Medical Officer of Health, Public Health Inspector and disaster relief officials have also been authorised to assess water requirements in each affected area.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi said the Defence Ministry issued a circular on 6 August to strengthen preparations for possible drought conditions associated with future El Niño events.

He said the circular introduces amendments to existing laws and regulations to enable authorities to provide water to drought-affected communities more quickly and efficiently.

The Government has allocated Rs. 4.8 billion from the national Budget to provide relief for disasters arising from the prevailing dry conditions and possible heavy rainfall that may follow.

Residents experiencing drinking water shortages have been advised to immediately inform their respective Grama Niladhari officers and seek assistance.

Danansooriya added that arrangements have also been made to recruit temporary drivers and assistants if there is a shortage of personnel required for water distribution and other relief operations.