Sri Lanka is facing a severe drought and the number of affected people is estimated to be around 1.5 million across seven of the country's 25 districts. The US-based World Vision Organisation said government agencies would need to distribute an estimated 45,000 tonnes of food over the next six months even if rains return soon to the island's parched southeastern corner. "In terms of impact on the local population, this year's drought is the worst the country has faced in the past 50 years," said Al Dyer, spokesperson of the World Vision. The worst hit district is Hambantota, where the rains have failed for more than 21 months. The United Nations has granted US $25,000 for providing relief to Hambantota.
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