890,000 people affected by prevailing drought

Colombo (News1st): As the dry weather condition continues to take place across the island, the DMC stated that up to 890,000 have been affected. A spokesperson for the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said that 17 districts have been affected. Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Mannar, and Mulaithivu have been the worst affected. State Minister of Disaster Management Palitha Range Bandara said that measures have been taken to distribute water to 89 of the worst affected divisional secretariats. He added Rs. 58.3 million has been allocated for this purpose. The Irrigation Department said that the water capacity of the 72 reservoirs under its purview have decreased to 35% of its total capacity. Earlier this week the spokesperson of CEB Sulaksha Jayawardana said that despite the dry weather conditions being experienced across the island, steps have been taken to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) last week issued a statement requesting the public to limit water usage to only what was essential. The board stated that water pressure in some areas in Colombo, especially those living on higher ground, could be low.