Severe dry weather affects over 500,000 in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center (DMC) on Thursday said the number of people affected by the prevailing severe dry weather across the island country had risen to 500,000.

In a statement, the DMC said that as of Thursday noon, 529,420 people belonging to 136,329 families had been affected by the dry weather and drought and steps were being taken to provide them with clean water for basic necessities.

Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Center Pradeep Kodippili said officials were continuing to send water bowsers into the areas to supply fresh water to the families.

The worst affected districts are Vavuniya and Jaffna in the north, Puttalam in the North Western province, Kegalle in the Sabaragamuwa Province and Kalutara in the southern province.

The Meteorology Department, in its latest weather update said that hot weather conditions are likely to rise further in the coming days as the sun is positioned directly above Sri Lanka until April 15.

The Meteorology Department said in a statement the areas worst affected by the sun's direct over head positioning was Dikwella, Kekanadura, Kotawila and Midigama, in the island's south.

The department has also issued a severe heat advisory for eight districts and urged people to remain cautious.

(CGTN)