Drought scorches Hambantota

The Hambantota district is in the grip of severe drought. Every reservoir including the one in Ridiyagama, Ambalantota has dried up to the bottom.

Many paddy fields on the verge of harvesting have been reduced to mere straw. The farmers who took to plantain cultivation in place of paddy have been left high and dry. There is an acute shortage of curd in the district because the quantity of milk from cattle and buffaloes has reduced since they cannot find water to drink.

The vegetable cultivators are badly hit with the drought. The prices of vegetables have shot up in the open market. Cattle herd owners find it impossible to provide fodder for their cattle since the drought has scorched grasslands.