A week ago, only 34,809 persons of 9,997 families were affected.

The Water Board requests consumers, especially in urban and low-lying areas, to use water sparingly.

Water levels have gone down in reservoirs in northcentral, Uva, southern and western provinces, but consumption has risen considerably, it said.

Public can make requests of water requirements to the Board’s emergency telephone no. 1939.

Meanwhile, animals in 18 of the 22 national parks too, have been affected by the dry weather.

They are making their way to the villages in search for water, and get victimized by hunters.