COLOMBO, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center said on Monday that over 50,000 people were affected by the severe dry weather conditions prevailing across the island country.
The worst affected districts are Vavuniya and Jaffna in the north, Puttalam in the North Western province, Kegalle in the Sabaragamuwa Province, Matale in the Central Province and Kandy in the Central highlands.
The Disaster Management Center said the lack of rains, especially in the mountainous areas, had resulted in a severe water shortage.
Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Center Pradeep Kodippili said water bowsers had been set up in several of the affected areas to supply fresh water to the families.
Kodippili said people were also advised to remain cautious and stay indoors due to the extreme weather conditions.
The Meteorology Department, in its latest weather update. said that hot weather conditions are likely to rise further in the coming days but temporary showers could also be expected.
Temperatures are expected to rise to as high as 41 degrees Celsius.
