WMO warns record El Niño could trigger droughts, floods and cyclones across seven regions
The World Meteorological Organization says this year’s strongest El Niño on record may bring drought, flooding, landslides, food shortages and cyclone risks to seven countries in the South-West Indian Ocean region.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the El Niño expected this year will be the strongest on record, bringing a cascade of extreme weather events. The agency warns that all aspects of society could be impacted, especially agriculture, water resources, public health and marine life. In the South-West Indian Ocean, southern areas such as South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi and southwestern Madagascar are likely to experience drought, heat and water stress, while Tanzania, northern Malawi, the Seychelles and parts of the Mascarene Islands face heightened flood and landslide danger.
Mixed rainfall patterns are also forecast for Madagascar, with the north and east receiving more rain and the southwest remaining dry. Although overall cyclone activity may be below normal, the Mascarene Islands still face near-normal cyclone risk. The WMO calls for immediate preparedness measures, and the UK Met Office’s outlook shows an increased probability of wet, windy conditions from October to December.
Why it matters
The forecast signals widespread climate risks that could threaten food security, water supplies and livelihoods across multiple nations.
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