COLOMBO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Water storage in Sri Lanka's 74 major reservoirs has fallen to 36 percent of capacity as dry weather and El Nino conditions intensify pressure on water resources, L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department, said Monday.
He said some reservoirs in Hambantota, Batticaloa, Monaragala, Mannar, and Trincomalee districts have dropped below 30 percent of capacity, although major reservoirs in the wet zone remain relatively stable.
Sooriyabandara said high temperatures are accelerating evaporation, while demand for water is rising.
Authorities have not restricted drinking water supplies, but have reduced water releases for agriculture in some areas to preserve supplies for essential needs.
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Center said dry conditions have affected 81,865 people from 25,628 families across seven districts.
The center is supplying drinking water to 72,153 people from 23,048 families in 20 Divisional Secretariat Divisions.
Sooriyabandara also warned that prolonged heat and dry weather have increased the risk of wildfires and urged the public to use water carefully. ■
