New Delhi, August 5: Al Niño is poised to unleash a significant crisis worldwide. Next year, approximately 50 million people may face acute hunger due to this weather phenomenon. The World Food Programme (WFP) issued this warning on Wednesday. The report indicates that this crisis will add to the millions already suffering from food insecurity due to prolonged droughts in various parts of Africa and rising food prices caused by ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
According to the WFP, even if the current Al Niño is less intense than some models predict, it could still increase the number of people experiencing severe food insecurity by over 20% in 45 countries, affecting 225 million individuals.
The analysis suggests that the most severe impacts will be felt in Central and South America, Caribbean nations, and Southern Africa. Additionally, South and Southeast Asia may experience below-average rainfall, severely affecting agriculture, irrigation, and farmers’ livelihoods.
Al Niño is a natural climate event that develops in the Pacific Ocean every few years, influencing rainfall and temperature patterns worldwide. This year’s developing Al Niño is considered one of the most powerful events in nearly 70 years. Although the term “super Al Niño” is not officially used, many experts are highlighting its extraordinary intensity.
Scientists indicate that climate change is exacerbating the effects of Al Niño. As a result, global temperatures could reach new record levels by 2026 or 2027.
The WFP stated that it is working to mitigate damage through timely warning systems and advance relief programs, allocating nearly $800 million for this purpose.
However, experts warn that the impact on farmers may persist for several seasons. For instance, in Southern Africa, the real food crisis may be most acutely felt during the 2027-28 lean season, following the harvest from October 2026 to March 2027.
According to Richard Shoulart, WFP’s Director of Climate and Resilience Services, the most severe food security crisis in Southern Africa is expected during the 2027-28 period. WFP’s Director of Food Security, Jean-Martin Bauer, noted that food prices were relatively stable until late 2025, but pressures have begun to rise again due to the conflict in West Asia.
He also warned that if major agricultural exporting countries impose export bans on grains, global food prices could surge, further affecting food availability in poorer nations.
The WFP reported that during the 2015-16 Al Niño, between 60 to 100 million people worldwide faced severe food insecurity. This time, the organization hopes that existing warning and relief mechanisms will help mitigate some damage, although financial resource shortages have hindered necessary data collection in several regions.
The report states that the effects of Al Niño will not be confined to developing countries. Europe and the UK may also see crop production affected due to extreme heat and low rainfall, leading to increased pressure on food prices.
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