El Niño could put 49 million people at risk of hunger, UN warns

El Niño could put 49 million people at risk of hunger, UN warns

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that a strong El Niño event could leave 49 million people in the world's most vulnerable regions facing acute food insecurity by the end of 2027.

According to the report, there is an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño developing. As a result, the total number of people experiencing acute food insecurity could rise to 274 million.

Experts say the greatest risks are expected in Central America, Southern Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, where droughts, delayed monsoon rains, flooding, and declining crop yields are likely to occur.

The WFP has urged governments and international organizations to prepare in advance for the impacts of El Niño.

El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon caused by the unusual warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean. It affects weather patterns worldwide, bringing drought to some regions and heavy rainfall, flooding, and reduced agricultural production to others, thereby increasing the risk of food shortages and hunger.