Scientists say that for the first time in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, the effects of El Nino are being seen, which can lead to famine and floods.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has said it could be a major event.

El Nino is still in its early stages but has the potential to bring extreme weather around the world.

US scientists had earlier announced in April that El Nino had arrived but at the time it was described as 'weak'.

Australian scientists say patterns show it will intensify after September, but it's too early to say how strong it will be.

David Jones, manager of the Department of Environmental Monitoring and Forecasting at the Bureau of Meteorology, told reporters that this is a real El Nino effect, and it is not weak.

"You know there's a little bit of uncertainty when the magnitude is predicted, but looking at the models as a whole it looks like this is a big El Nino event."$SOL