Over 9500 hit by drought in Kegalle

Colombo (News 1st): The Disaster Management Centre says that more than 9500 residents in Kegalle have been affected due to the prevailing drought condition. According to the DMC, the highest number of affected residents were reported from the Mawanella area with figures standing at over 5500. Other areas that have been affected by the drought are Ruwanwella, Galigamuwa, Warakpola, Aranayake, and Kegalle. Speaking to News1st, DMC Assistant Director Janaka Handunpathiraja said that more than 200,000 residents of the Kalutara District too have been affected due to this prevailing situation. This is because the water supplied to area residents has been mixed with saltwater as a result of the dropping water levels in the Kalu ganga. The DMC Assistant Director noted that steps are being taken to supply drinking water to the affected residents.