68,041 People Affected By Dry Weather Conditions

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The number of people affected by prevailing dry weather conditions has increased to 68,041.

Spokesperson for the Disaster Relief Services Centre and Senior Assistant Secretary Prageeth Dhanansuriya said the affected population includes people from 17 Grama Niladhari divisions in the Batticaloa, Ampara, Monaragala and Ratnapura districts.

The highest number of affected people has been reported from the Monaragala District, with the 31,647 reported affected.

Prageeth Dhanansuriya said steps have already been taken to provide drinking water to 12,291 affected people.

He further said programmes have been arranged in coordination with local government authorities to provide the necessary assistance.

The Department of Meteorology advised the public to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, drink plenty of water, and for those working at worksites, rest in shaded areas whenever possible. 

The Department also urged residents in the affected districts to pay special attention to young children, elderly people and those who are ill.

The highest temperature recorded yesterday was reported from Monaragala, where temperatures reached 36.6 degrees Celsius.

According to the Department of Meteorology Temperatures of 36.2 degrees Celsius were recorded in Trincomalee, 35.8 degrees in Vavuniya, 35.9 degrees in Mullaitivu and 35.6 degrees in Polonnaruwa.