More than one point seven million litres of emergency water supply has now been distributed in the Yasawas in the Western Division.

This is part of the relief efforts for the current dry spell being experienced around the country.

Media Liaison Officer – Irami Lewaravu says the most recent carting has gone as far as Yasawa-i-rara with the villages in Teci, Dalomo, Bukama, Nabukeru and Navotua filling up much needed water for their daily use.

The emergency water carting is the result of the meteorological drought which has affected parts of the Western and Northern Divisions since August.

Lewaravu says the barges can hold up to 240 thousand litres of water in one trip and this capacity can sufficiently fill up tanks for around three to four villages.

He says a total of 11 emergency water carting trips have been completed to the islands most affected with more than 61 thousand dollars expended on the charge for the barge use.

The next trip will see villagers in Naisesili, Nacula and Malakati receiving much needed water from Wednesday.

According to the Director for Meteorological Services Ravind Kumar while the country has received some rain earlier this month, it has not been enough to quench the drought conditions.

Kumar says the drought is expected to continue until November with the start of the cyclone season.