88,068 People Affected as Dry Weather Ravages 6 Districts - Monaragala Worst Hit

COLOMBO (News 1st): The number of people affected by the ongoing dry weather conditions in Sri Lanka has risen sharply to 88,068, according to the Disaster Management Center.

In an update released today, the DMC said the affected population comprises 27,475 families across 28 Divisional Secretariat divisions in 6 districts.

To address the worsening water shortage, authorities have commenced the distribution of drinking water to 86,368 people from 27,048 families, the Center added.

The Monaragala District has recorded the highest impact from the drought. The DMC stated that steps have been taken to supply drinking water to 37,890 people from 11,751 families in the district.

The Batticaloa District has also been severely impacted, with drinking water being distributed to 28,523 people from 9,547 families.

Officials said relief operations are continuing in the other affected districts as the dry weather persists.