Prolonged dry weather conditions across Sri Lanka have triggered a widespread drinking water crisis, leaving more than 115,000 people across multiple districts struggling to access clean water. The severe weather spell has depleted local reservoirs and dried up primary water sources, forcing emergency response measures in the hardest-hit regions.
Key Highlights
- Over 115,000 residents across several provinces are currently impacted by acute drinking water shortages.
- The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has deployed mobile water tankers to deliver emergency supplies to affected communities.
- Declining water levels at key intake points have prompted authorities to urge citizens to strictly restrict non-essential water usage.
According to disaster management officials, the sharp drop in rainfall over recent months has severely impacted major water distribution networks. Local authorities and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) are working to dispatch bowsers to provide clean drinking water to remote villages and urban settlements where regular pipe-borne supply has been disrupted.
Met Services warn that the dry spell could persist for several weeks, further straining the island nation’s water management system. Environmental experts emphasize the need for long-term climate resilience and improved infrastructure to mitigate the growing frequency of severe seasonal droughts in the region.