People in the Ampara district have been severely affected by the prevailing drought. There is a severe shortage of drinking water in the district. Not only the people, the livestock and wild animals are also suffering due to the lack of water.
The prevailing drought condition has also given rise to a threat of epidemics, the District health sector noted.
Farmers have been severely affected, especially due to the movement of wild elephants. District Agriculture Director Nimal Dayaratne said.
Certain farmers who were attacked by wild elephants have even been admitted to hospitals, he said.
Water is available only in the Senanayake Samudra and some middle level tanks. Due to insufficient water, the farmers in the district are worried about paddy cultivation in the coming Maha Season, he said.