sri lanka prepares
|

Sri Lanka prepares for drought and flood risks linked to El Nino

ByJustpaste.in

Sri Lanka is preparing for a prolonged period of extreme weather as authorities warn that the return of the El Nino climate pattern could bring a severe drought followed by widespread flooding later this year. The government has begun taking precautionary measures to protect water supplies, agriculture, and vulnerable communities as changing weather conditions threaten to affect millions of people across the island.

Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said the country is expected to face a significant dry spell lasting until the end of September. Officials are closely monitoring irrigation systems and drinking water reserves to ensure supplies remain available during the expected drought. The government has also urged the public to use water carefully, warning that shortages could develop over the coming months if dry conditions continue.

Scientists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events to climate change. They say El Nino, a natural climate pattern caused by warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, disrupts global rainfall and wind patterns. These changes often bring drought to some regions while causing heavy rainfall and flooding in others.

Sri Lankan authorities expect the current dry period to be followed by a stronger than usual northeast monsoon beginning in October. The minister warned that the seasonal rains could trigger widespread flooding in many parts of the country, creating additional risks for communities already dealing with water shortages.

To reduce the impact on agriculture, the government has advised farmers to begin the main rice planting season about two weeks earlier than usual. Officials believe an earlier start to cultivation will allow crops to develop before heavy rainfall increases the risk of flooding. Authorities are also planning improved flood management measures to help protect farmland and reduce damage to the country’s most important food crop.

The government has not yet released an estimate of the possible economic losses from this year’s El Nino conditions. However, a special ministerial task force has been established to coordinate preparations, manage emergency responses, and reduce the impact on agriculture, water resources, and public infrastructure.

Officials said Sri Lanka’s hydroelectric reservoirs are currently operating at around 57 percent capacity. To conserve water, authorities plan to rely more heavily on solar power during daylight hours, reducing pressure on hydroelectric facilities and preserving reservoir levels for essential needs.

Experts have also warned that intense rainfall later in the year could trigger landslides in the country’s mountainous regions. Many of these areas remain vulnerable after suffering significant damage during Cyclone Ditwah in November, when heavy rain caused widespread destruction across the island.

Cyclone Ditwah affected nearly every part of Sri Lanka and left a lasting impact on the country’s population of around 22 million people. Nearly 650 people lost their lives during the disaster, while roads, bridges, public buildings, and other infrastructure suffered extensive damage. The World Bank estimated that infrastructure losses alone reached about 4.1 billion dollars, making it one of the country’s most costly natural disasters in recent years.

With another period of extreme weather approaching, the government says early preparation will be essential to reduce risks and protect lives. Authorities are continuing to monitor weather forecasts while encouraging communities to conserve water, prepare for possible floods, and follow official guidance throughout the changing weather conditions. The coming months are expected to test Sri Lanka’s disaster response systems once again as the country faces the combined challenges of drought, flooding, and the broader effects of climate change.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    China stands firm on economic strategy ahead of ke…

    ByJustpaste.in

    BEIJING: China has intensified its defence of its state-led economic model as it prepares for crucial trade discussions with the European Union and the United States, signalling that it is unlikely to make major policy concessions despite mounting international criticism. Beijing has repeatedly argued that its development strategy, which prioritises investment in advanced manufacturing and technology, remains essential for long-term economic growth. Chinese leaders maintain that the country’s industrial policies have helped strengthen innovation and global competitiveness, rejecting accusations that they distort international trade. The latest policy statements from China’s leadership indicate a commitment to maintaining its current economic direction. While officials acknowledge challenges such as weak domestic demand and excess production capacity, they continue to favour targeted policy support instead of broad consumer-focused stimulus measures. Chinese authorities have also dismissed Western claims of industrial overcapacity, describing such criticism as politically motivated. They argue that China’s manufacturing success reflects its stage of economic development and benefits global consumers through affordable, high-quality products. Ahead of expected meetings between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump later this year, as well as upcoming negotiations with the European Union, Beijing has adopted a more confident tone in defending its economic policies. Analysts believe the messaging is intended to establish clear limits on what China is willing to negotiate while encouraging greater understanding of its development model. China has also sought to counter warnings of a new “China shock” by portraying its industrial expansion as an opportunity for global economic growth. However, many Western economists argue that China’s reliance on exports, combined with subdued domestic consumption, continues to create imbalances that affect international markets. Although Beijing has slowed public investment by tightening oversight of local government spending, officials acknowledge that supply and demand remain uneven. Authorities have pledged to reduce destructive price competition among manufacturers and have reiterated their intention to strengthen consumer demand, though without announcing sweeping structural reforms. Chinese policymakers have also recognised that the country’s traditionally low household consumption cannot remain a permanent feature of its economy. While official publications describe the existing model as historically appropriate, they also suggest gradual adjustments will be necessary to ensure sustainable long-term growth. Despite these acknowledgements, Beijing remains cautious about implementing rapid reforms, fearing that abrupt policy changes could undermine economic stability. International studies continue to raise concerns over China’s economic practices. Recent research suggests that government subsidies have played a significant role in boosting the global market share of many Chinese companies, while other reports attribute much of China’s export growth to weak domestic consumption and industrial overcapacity. Analysts also note that China continues to invest in productive assets at a much faster pace than Europe and the United States, even though returns on those investments have declined. Many experts believe Beijing’s increasingly assertive defence of its economic model reflects growing confidence that it can manage trade tensions with Western partners without fundamentally changing its industrial strategy.

  • | | |

    Operation ’11 Garaj’ continues as 10 T…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s security forces continued Operation “11 Garaj” with multiple intelligence-based operations in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The latest actions targeted militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij. According to security sources, two militants were killed during an operation in the Shakro area of Bajaur district. The militants had allegedly established hideouts inside mosques and were using them as operational bases. Security forces launched the operation after receiving verified intelligence about their presence in the area. In another intelligence-based operation, security forces targeted militant hideouts in the Darbi Khel and Battan areas of Khyber district. Eight more TTP militants were killed during the operation. The actions were carried out after security agencies gathered confirmed intelligence regarding militant activities in the region. Officials said all the operations were based on credible intelligence and were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operations form part of the ongoing campaign under Operation “11 Garaj” to eliminate militant threats and prevent terrorist attacks. Security officials said the purpose of these operations is to clear the affected areas of terrorist elements, strengthen law and order, and ensure lasting peace for local communities. They added that intelligence-based operations will continue wherever the presence of militants is confirmed.

  • | |

    Mohsin Naqvi reviews 24/7 NADRA center

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a visit to the 24/7 NADRA Mega Center at Shimla Pahari, where he inspected the services and facilities available to the public. During the visit, he expressed satisfaction with the center’s performance and praised the quality of services being provided to citizens. The minister interacted directly with visitors applying for identity cards and other official documents, listening to their concerns and seeking feedback on the overall service experience. He also toured different service counters, met NADRA staff, and reviewed operational arrangements to ensure efficient public service delivery. Responding promptly to public complaints, Mohsin Naqvi directed officials to immediately resolve the issues faced by two citizens. He also took notice of complaints regarding excessive parking charges outside the center and called for appropriate action to address the matter. Highlighting the importance of improving public services, the interior minister announced that the system for accessing the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) track record would be streamlined to make the process more efficient and user-friendly. Recalling his previous visit to the Shimla Pahari NADRA Center, Naqvi said he was encouraged by the positive feedback received from citizens. He emphasized that public trust and satisfaction remain the true measure of an institution’s success and commended NADRA Chairman and the entire team for their dedication and performance in serving the people.

  • | |

    Federal government freezes ad hoc relief allowance…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal government has decided to keep the 2023 and 2024 ad hoc relief allowances unchanged for its employees, maintaining the existing rates while also outlining the allowance structure for newly appointed staff. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the Ad Hoc Relief Allowance-2023 will remain frozen at the level applicable on June 30, 2023, and will not be revised until further instructions are issued. Under the current arrangement, employees in Grades 1 to 16 will continue to receive an allowance equal to 35% of their basic pay, while officers in Grades 17 to 22 will receive 30% of their basic pay under the 2023 relief allowance. The ministry has also announced that the Ad Hoc Relief Allowance-2024 will remain frozen at the rates applicable on June 30, 2026. Employees in Grades 1 to 16 will continue to receive 25% of their basic pay, whereas those in Grades 17 to 22 will receive 20% of their basic pay. The decision means there will be no increase in these allowances until further notice, although eligible employees will continue receiving them at the existing rates. The notification also provides guidance on the applicable allowance rates for newly recruited federal government employees, ensuring uniform implementation across government departments. The Finance Ministry said the revised pay and allowance framework will remain effective unless amended through a future government notification.

  • | | | | |

    Iran ready for talks with US as Tehran sends message through Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran has reportedly conveyed to Pakistan that it is willing to resume negotiations with the United States, opening a possible new chapter in diplomatic efforts between the two countries, according to a report by Arab media. Sources cited in the report claimed that Tehran has informed Islamabad about its readiness to continue talks with Washington at possible venues including Geneva, Doha, or Islamabad. The discussions, according to the report, would proceed under the framework of a memorandum of understanding. The reported message suggests that Iran wants negotiations to be conducted in phases. According to sources, the first phase would focus on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, followed by discussions on frozen assets and later the nuclear program. The report further claimed that Iran has rejected any initiative aimed at creating a new route or corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways for energy transportation. Earlier, Iran and the United States had reportedly moved toward direct diplomatic engagement after signing an understanding in Islamabad on June 17, 2026. The agreement paved the way for high-level talks, including a meeting in Switzerland after decades without direct negotiations between the two sides. Representatives from Pakistan and Qatar were also present during earlier diplomatic efforts. Pakistan played a role in facilitating communication, while Qatar hosted one round of discussions in Doha. However, the negotiation process later faced setbacks after both sides accused each other of violating commitments and military tensions escalated. Former US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials blamed each other for the collapse of the dialogue process. Despite the tensions, both sides have indicated that diplomacy remains a possible path toward resolving disputes. Iran has maintained that it is open to negotiations but has rejected what it describes as pressure or threats. If confirmed, the reported Iranian message could mark a renewed opportunity for dialogue and place Pakistan in an important diplomatic role between Tehran and Washington.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *