Sri Lanka delivers water to 72,000 people as El Niño drought deepens
Sri Lanka has allocated Rs.4.8 billion to distribute water in seven drought-hit districts as severe El Niño conditions reduce reservoir levels and stress crops.
Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government is delivering water to nearly 72,000 people in seven districts as the country faces a drought linked to this year’s severe El Niño, a senior official said on Thursday. Water levels at hundreds of small tanks have fallen to about 10%, while crops including coconuts and vegetables are under stress.
Water distribution measures
The government has allocated Rs.4.8 billion ($14 million) from the budget for water distribution.
Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi said trucks were transporting water from areas not affected by drought. Each family was receiving about 75 litres, or 20 U.S. gallons, every two to three days for drinking and sanitation needs.
Expected El Niño peak
Patabendi said the government had expected El Niño to peak around November but now believed it would reach its peak sooner.
“For now we have plans to address challenges till the third week of September. We will revise and extend response measures as necessary,” he said.
Outlook for rainfall
Patabendi said year-end monsoons were expected to bring heavy rain after September, although drought conditions could return at the beginning of next year.
El Niño is a naturally occurring weather pattern whose effects vary by region and can cause both drought and flooding, while amplifying the effects of global warming. Sri Lanka last experienced an El Niño episode in 2015-2016.
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