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In drought-stricken Sri Lanka, farmers watch wells empty and wildlife crowd shrinking water holes
Reservoirs are about one-third full as government water deliveries and tanker supplies help farms and wildlife cope with months of dryness.
- Across Sri Lanka, 74 reservoirs have hovered around one-third full in recent weeks, forcing widespread water rationing. The ongoing drought has transformed the landscape, leaving agricultural communities struggling as irrigation tanks remain dry.
- The southwest monsoon, which normally supplies up to 30% of annual rainfall, failed through late September. Climate scientist Gayana Krishanthi Hendawitharana noted such extreme events are increasing, though more evidence is required to confirm climate change links.
- In Medirigiriya, farmers face mounting debt as crops wither without rain. Vidanaarachchige Wimalasuriya harvested only 6 sacks of rice instead of 50, while Indika Nuwankumara struggles to repay a $1,500 farming loan after his 8-acre field failed.
- Wildlife officials in Yala National Park are using water tankers to replenish artificial pools near the Menik River. Wildlife, including elephants and deer, suffers dehydration as temperatures rise above 35 Celsius.
- Recent showers offer minimal relief, as experts warn scattered rain remains insufficient to restore depleted groundwater and reservoirs. Residents continue waiting outside homes with containers for water deliveries provided by the government and various charities.
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Associated Press News+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
In drought-stricken Sri Lanka, farmers watch wells empty and wildlife crowd shrinking water holes
Sri Lanka is facing severe drought, leaving reservoirs dry and farming communities struggling. Experts say the lack of rain is partly due to a strong El Niño and climate change.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left10Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Left
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources lean Left
53% Left
L 53%
C 47%
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