"The United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, warns that one of the strongest El Niño events on record could bring floods, drought, displacement and disruption to education, urging governments to act before the crisis worsens."
"More than 347 million children in nearly 100 countries and territories are expected to face unusually wet or dry conditions in the coming months as the 2026-2027 El Niño develops, UNICEF has warned.
The climate phenomenon, marked by unusually warm waters in parts of the Pacific Ocean and associated changes in weather patterns across the globe, is forecast to become one of the strongest El Niño events on record. According to UNICEF, the resulting droughts and floods could threaten children's health, nutrition, education and access to essential services.
“For children, El Niño is far more than a weather pattern,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “It can mean increased displacement, malnutrition, water shortages, and disease outbreaks.”
She also warned that children could face school closures and that families could experience additional financial hardship."
