Hydro catchment areas receive rain; Ratnapura records 101 mm rainfall

• Met. Dept. forecasts more rain
• DMC says people affected due to drinking water scarcity exceed 300,000  

By Ajith Siriwardana

After the long dry spell, several areas including hydro catchment areas in the country had received a considerable amount of rain with the highest rainfall of 101.3 mm recorded from Ratnapura during the 24 hour period ending at 8.30 am yesterday.

The Department of Meteorology said hydro catchment areas of Castlereigh had received a rainfall of 29.8 mm, Norton 57.0mm, Maussakele 39.0mm, Canyon 40.0mm, Lakshapana 63.0mm, Upper Kotmale 32.3mm, Kotmale 25.1mm and Victoria 1.8 mm.  

In addition, Katugastota had recorded a rainfall of 24.2mm, Kurunegala 34.8mm and Nuwara Eliya 15.4mm.  

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said there is a possibility that the prevailing showers in the south-western parts of the island may enhance during September1, 2 and 3.  
It said showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central and Northwestern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the next 36 hours with fairly heavy showers about 75mm at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.  

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the number of people who were affected due to the drinking water scarcity has exceeded 300,000.  
The DMC said 306,934 people from 89,085 families have been affected due to drinking water scarcity in 19 districts in the country.