Sri Lanka is heading for a severe drought followed by devastating floods due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, the environment minister warned yesterday.

Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world.

The return this year of El Nino is expected to bring changes in wind and rainfall patterns.

Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said Sri Lanka was managing both irrigation and drinking water reserves as authorities anticipated a severe dry spell until the end of September.

He said people should use potable water sparingly, and a north-east monsoon beginning in October could lead to “widespread flooding”.