Sri Lanka, Aug. 26 -- With the El Nino weather phenomena set to trigger rainfall higher than normal, to be followed by a dry spell, the Health Ministry is gearing up to deal with a possible rise in climate-related diseases, an official said yesterday.

The Environment and Occupational Health Unit of the Health Ministry is working in this regard at the moment.

According to Consultant Community Physician of the division, Dr. Inoka Suraweera, the health authorities are liaising with the Meteorology Department and the Disaster Management Centre on the developments. She said regular public awareness regarding heat-related diseases was being carried out in engagement with the media as an initial step.

"On top of that, we are carrying out cap...