Sri Lanka, Sept. 17 -- The Department of Meteorology said that according to international forecasts, the El Nino phenomenon currently affecting the region is intensifying and will reach its peak within the next three months, after which heavy rainfall can be expected across the country.

Meteorology Department Director General A.L.K.Wijemannage said rainfall in October and November is likely to exceed usual levels, raising the risk of floods and landslides, and stressed that the relevant authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Addressing a special media briefing held yesterday (16) at the Government Information Department, Wijemannage said disturbances that formed over the Bay of Bengal in the past two days had already br...