Assisting people affected by the drought in rural Sri Lanka as effects of climate change continues to batter communities

14/10/2016 – Monaragala, Sri Lanka – The Sri Lanka Red Cross Monaragala Branch has begun the distribution of safe drinking water to people affected by the recent drought in the district. This was after a request was made by the Divisional Secretary of the Monaragala District. Residents in Weliyaya, Akkara 7, Suduwatura Aara received the service from the Red Cross since yesterday. Red Cross is hoping to assist until the rains arrive.

Within the span of 6 months Sri Lanka already faced a severe flooding conditions which now have no trace of. The country is experiencing drought conditions in several parts.

People living in the districts of Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Monaragala are experiencing the drought directly affecting their water sources. Considering the situation, the Ministry of Disaster Management has taken steps to supply the required water for these areas through temporary tanks.

Red Cross branches in the other districts also took steps to provide facilities for the distribution of water. Water tanks were provided in Bentota, Galle in order to distribute water to villages that has no clean water.

The Government also set up a hotline 117 for people make queries and complains with regard to water shortages in their areas.

Meanwhile the Meterological Department of Sri Lanka today announced that the dry conditions of the island is expected to end by next week, with the expectations of rain.