Member of Parliament for South East St. Ann Lisa Hanna has lamented that the severity of the drought in sections of the parish is threatening life and property.

Ms. Hanna said in a statement today, that urgent action must be taken by the government against the ravages of the dry spell.

She said the St. Ann Municipal Corporation tanks are out of water and the local springs which usually supply the commodity to deep rural communities have gone almost dry.

The MP laments that some affected residents have been without water for weeks.

She said many householders cannot afford the $25,000 per load charged by private truckers to supply water for domestic use.

Ms. Hanna added that trucks owned by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation are currently out of service.

Ms. Hanna said farmers are having it hard, especially those who plant cash crops.

With small farms wilting under the severe drought, farmers and their families are facing economic ruin, and this is troubling as many depend on their food crops to send their children back to school.

She also noted that children are home from school and the lack of water is concerning, and that there are health considerations that cannot be taken for granted.

This as, persons may be forced to utilize untreated water for domestic purposes and this could result in an increase in waterborne diseases.