2017’s Drought And What It Means To Sri Lanka.

This year's drought crisis (for, yes, it is a crisis) didn't suddenly sneak up and pounce on us. It's been there since last year, and has just been growing bigger and bigger. But, I guess we were all too distracted with the floods that hit us last May to realize just how comfortable global warming has made itself in Sri Lanka.

Nearly a million people have been affected to date: the World Food Programme's Initial Rapid Assesment on Drought 2016 puts the number at 915,000 to be precise.

Okay, there'll be a water shortage. What else?

What else? Thirst, starvation, poverty and debt induced death: and I'm not even exaggerating.

  • Most of who will be strongly affected aren't those of us in Colombo or people with easy water accessibility (i.e. pipelines). The worst affected will be small scale paddy farmers, agricultural labourers and people making a livelihood off the agri-industry.
     
  • Sri Lanka already has one of the world's highest suicide rates and most of those reported deaths are from the main agricultural districts. Suicide in the farming community is common news, especially when they are unable to yield harvest and pay off debts. As of December 2016, there's less than 50% of the water required for the Maha Cultivation actually available, and our irrigation capacity is at a scary low.

  • Food shortage, because of low cultivation. According to a joint WFP and government survey, this is the lowest cultivation we've had over the last 30 years. Think about it: even at the height of war, we were producing more food than we can now. We're also going to be short of rice — shorter than we usually are.
     
  • Our drinking water shortage is terrifying: 22 out of 25 districts are short of drinking water and the National Disaster Relief Management has allocated Rs. 42 million to help face this.
     
  • Hydropower is affected, and we'll probably face power cuts.
     
  • The government rather strangely said they'll issue a circular to control A/C temperatures in governmental offices

What Can YOU Do?

This is something that's been taught to you throughout primary school, but something we seem to casually ignore as we stumbled into adulthood and thought most rules don't apply to us anymore: use water carefully.

It should be pretty obvious, but I've noticed people pretty much everywhere I go act irresponsibly: especially when near a tap.

  • Don't use water continuously when brushing your teeth, washing your hands or the dishes. It may be annoying and inconvenient, but close the tap while you pause to soap.
  • Collect dirty laundry and wash a full load in one go.
  • Limit watering your lawn to twice or thrice a week. Apparently, 5mms of water is enough for gardens during warm weather.
  • Try not to hose your vehicle down every week — it can survive a bit of dust and dirt. Fill a bucket and do a bit of solid wiping.

This is actually a very real problem. Here's a picture of what parts of the Victoria Reservoir currently looks like (hint: NOT like a reservoir). We took this a couple of weeks ago.

So, yeah. Be mindful and conserve.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide