The United Nations (UN) says Sri Lanka could experience higher-than-normal rainfall during the latter part of this year due to the prevailing El Niño climate conditions.

The UN has warned that the increased rainfall could raise the risk of floods, inundation and disruptions to agricultural activities.

The warning was issued in the UN’s latest assessment on the potential impacts of El Niño on countries across the Asian region.

According to the assessment, Sri Lanka has been identified as a country requiring heightened attention due to the effects of El Niño. The report notes that the key climate-related risk for Sri Lanka is above-average rainfall rather than dry conditions.

Significant rainfall is expected across many parts of Sri Lanka during October and November. The country could also experience above-average rainfall from December to February as the Northeast Monsoon becomes active, the assessment states.

The report further warns that Sri Lanka’s economic pressures could increase due to the combined impact of climate-related risks and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

However, the UN says there is still a critical window for preparedness, as the risks have not yet developed into widespread impacts.

Meanwhile, Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasooriya said that a number of reservoirs in the Anuradhapura District have dried up due to the prevailing dry weather conditions.  

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne said the government is already taking necessary measures to provide compensation to farmlands affected by the El Niño conditions.