More than 81,000 people have been affected by the prevailing dry weather conditions linked to the El Niño weather pattern, the National Disaster Relief Services Centre said today (20).

Senior Assistant Secretary of the Centre Prageeth Danansooriya said 81,605 people from 25,563 families in 22 Divisional Secretariat areas across seven districts have been affected.

Accordingly, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Badulla, Monaragala, Hambantota and Ratnapura districts have been affected.

Speaking at a media briefing on the El Niño phenomenon and its potential impact on Sri Lanka, Danansooriya said necessary guidelines have already been issued to District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries to provide relief to affected communities.

With drinking water shortages worsening in several areas, the government has increased the daily water allocation for drinking and sanitation purposes from six litres to 15 litres per person.

A total of 324 water bowsers are currently being deployed to supply water to affected communities.

Additional bowsers belonging to local authorities and the security forces will be deployed if required, officials said.

A committee comprising the Divisional Secretary, Medical Officer of Health, Public Health Inspector and disaster relief officials has been authorized to determine water distribution requirements in each affected area.

Meanwhile, Rs. 4.8 billion has been allocated from the national budget to provide relief for disasters caused by the prevailing dry conditions and possible heavy rainfall that could follow, Danansooriya said.

Residents facing drinking water shortages have been advised to immediately inform their respective Grama Niladhari and seek the necessary assistance.