Health authorities have issued warnings that the El Niño phenomenon has intensified significantly and that its peak could arrive earlier than previously expected.
Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi made these remarks while participating in a media briefing to raise awareness about the possible impacts of the El Niño condition on Sri Lanka.
The Minister said that the El Niño phenomenon could reach its peak by November this year.
Meanwhile, he warned that the months of July, August, and September could experience extremely dry weather conditions.
He further stated that the final months of the year — October, November, and December — could bring heavy rainfall.
The Environment Minister also said that government institutions are being strengthened to effectively face the challenges posed by the El Niño condition.
He emphasized that El Niño is not a phenomenon affecting Sri Lanka alone, but is a global climate event.
Therefore, he stressed that public support and participation are crucial in dealing with this situation. He also warned that Sri Lanka could face a severe drought in the coming period.
Dr. Dammika Patabendi urged the public to use electricity and water resources carefully and economically due to the expected weather challenges.
He further noted that extreme heat and drought conditions could potentially lead to job losses among certain sections of the population.
