Sri Lanka experiencing a silent emergency

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a slow and silent emergency with a severe drought affecting over 230,000 families (over 880,000 people) in 22 Districts. According to the Ministry of Disaster Management 61 schools have been closed because of the prevailing drought.

World Vision Programmes are already present in 15 of the affected Divisional Secretariat (DS) Divisions. In coordination with the Disaster Management Centre and the local government authorities, we have commenced providing over 40,000 liters of clean water every day to the affected communities in three of the worst affected areas in Welikanda, Eravurpattu and Navithanveli (East Sri Lanka).

According Department of Meteorological South West monsoon (May-Sept) was significantly drier and warmer than usual. The irrigation tanks are at minimum operational levels and the reservoirs for the generation of electricity are also low which might have a negative impact on the upcoming cultivation season. There is also a shortage of drinking water.

World Vision continues to monitor the situation across the country while working with the government and other NGOs on the response.