CITY, Country — The anticipated El Niño event in 2026 and 2027 is poised to significantly affect displaced people, potentially leading to further displacement. Climate-induced natural hazards already displace an average of 22 million people annually, and the El Niño phenomenon is expected to exacerbate this situation.
In the East and Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, the risk is heightened due to recurrent droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks, all of which are likely to worsen with El Niño. Many displaced individuals reside in shelters that offer minimal protection against extreme weather events, leaving them particularly vulnerable.
The Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) needs assessment data reveals that these shelters are frequently inadequate for the harsh conditions brought on by El Niño, leaving “trapped populations “without sufficient resources or protection. Regional officials have emphasized the monumental challenge climate change and displacement pose to humanitarian responses.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is monitoring displacement trends in Ethiopia, where the internally displaced person (IDP) population is on the rise.
As of the latest reports, there are 2. 3 million IDPs, with numbers expected to increase as the El Niño event progresses.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has reported on the severe impacts of climate shocks and localized conflict in Kenya, noting that these factors have significantly impacted the population.
The humanitarian situation in the region is further complicated by protracted displacement and the arrival of new refugees.
The East and Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes Region, host a total of 24. 7 million displaced people, with the majority hosted in Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan.
In response to the escalating crisis, the UNHCR has launched an operational update, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to address the vulnerabilities of displaced populations. DRC’s analysis indicates that the strong El Niño event is likely to drive further displacement, particularly in regions where existing humanitarian crises are already severe.
The organization is calling for increased support to ensure that displaced people have access to adequate shelter, food, and healthcare.
As the El Niño event approaches, the international community must prepare for a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale.
The challenges facing displaced populations in the East and Horn of Africa are acute, and the response must be commensurate to the severity of the threat.
The coming year will be a critical test for the resilience and effectiveness of humanitarian responses in the region.
The success of these efforts will be pivotal in determining the fate of millions of vulnerable people caught in the crosshairs of climate change and displacement.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Danish Refugee Council
