El Niño Drought Affects Over 84,000 in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is grappling with the severe impact of El Niño-induced dry weather, which has affected a significant portion of its population. The Disaster Management Center reports that 84,545 individuals, belonging to 26,457 families, have been impacted by the prevailing drought conditions.

The drought's reach extends across seven districts, affecting 25 Divisional Secretariat divisions. Districts such as Monaragala, Ampara, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, and Hambantota are bearing the brunt of the adverse weather. These regions are experiencing a critical shortage of water, impacting daily life and livelihoods.

In response to the crisis, the Disaster Management Center is actively involved in providing essential relief. Drinking water is being distributed to 75,734 people from 24,144 affected families, highlighting the immediate need for water resources in the drought-stricken areas. The ongoing situation underscores the vulnerability of communities to climate-related events like El Niño.