A total of 154,167 people from 47,368 families across eight districts have been affected by El Niño-related weather conditions, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The DMC noted that residents in 36 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been affected.

As of 6.00 a.m. today (9), drinking water is being distributed to 132,748 people from 40,945 families across 35 Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

Monaragala has recorded the highest number of affected people, with 42,429 individuals from 13,139 families affected, while drinking water is being provided to all affected families.

Authorities are continuing relief efforts, particularly the distribution of drinking water, in the affected areas.