Nairobi, Kenya — The Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s latest report paints a stark picture of the impending threat posed by El Niño conditions to Africa’s climate and humanitarian landscape. With forecasts indicating a moderate to strong El Niño event from mid-2026, the continent faces a high-risk scenario compounded by record global temperatures, economic shocks, and pre-existing food insecurity.
The report emphasizes the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard harvests, water supplies, and essential resources, particularly for children and the most vulnerable social groups. It underscores the urgency of mitigating consequences before a failed season turns into a full-blown crisis and ensuring humanitarian systems are primed to scale up when necessary.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has noted that climate impacts have intensified across Africa in 2025, with over 13 million people affected and more than 3,000 deaths attributed to extreme weather events, predominantly flooding.
The situation is further exacerbated by ongoing droughts in East Africa, deepening regional hardships.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) have warned that millions already addressing hunger, displacement, and economic hardship may face another major climate shock due to El Niño. Immediate action is deemed crucial to address the potential impacts of the event.
The State of the Climate in Africa 2025 report indicates that Africa is warming faster than the global average, with glacier retreat and sea level rise exceeding global averages since 1999. These changes heighten the continent’s susceptibility to extreme weather events.
As El Niño approaches, the WMO is urging preparation and informed decision-making to protect lives and livelihoods.
The FAO and WFP are also advocating for early action to counteract the potential impacts of El Niño, emphasizing the vulnerability of millions of people across the continent.
The report coincides with the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, where the 2025-26 Joint Response Plan aims to assist 1. 48 million people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi host communities.
The plan seeks $934. 5 million to fund essential activities.
The challenge ahead is clear: to ensure Africa is prepared to respond effectively to the El Niño event and mitigate its potential impacts on climate and humanitarian crises.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Inter-Agency Standing Committee
