El Niño dry spell hits 84,000 in Lanka

More than 84,000 people in seven districts have been affected by the prevailing dry weather conditions, with authorities supplying drinking water to thousands of families facing severe shortages.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the dry spell has affected 84,545 people from 26,457 families across seven districts.

Drinking water distribution is currently under way for 75,734 people from 24,144 families in 22 Divisional Secretariat Divisions across five districts.

Residents in affected areas have reported severe difficulties due to the prolonged dry conditions.

However, the Meteorological Department has forecast showers in several parts of the country today.

Senior Meteorologist Malith Fernando said showers were expected from time to time in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Northwestern provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Kukuleganga Reservoir has prompted the opening of one of its spill gates.

The engineer in charge of the Kukuleganga Hydro Power Station Reservoir said water was being released into the Kuda Ganga at a rate of 20 cubic metres per second.