The number of people affected by dry weather conditions in Sri Lanka has risen to 84,545, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The DMC said residents in seven districts have been affected by the prevailing dry weather, with Monaragala recording the highest number of affected people at 11,074.
A further 9,547 people in Batticaloa and 2,823 people in Ampara have been affected by the conditions.
Dry weather has also caused water shortages in several Divisional Secretariat divisions in the districts of Badulla, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Ratnapura.
Authorities have taken measures to provide drinking water to affected communities, with 75,734 people receiving assistance so far, according to the DMC.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology has warned that the heat index—the temperature felt by the human body—is at a level requiring attention today.
The warning is particularly applicable to the Eastern Province, as well as the Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Monaragala districts.
The Meteorology Department urged the public to remain vigilant and follow recommended health guidelines to minimize the effects of excessive heat.
