World Food Programme Warns of El Niño's Impact on Global Hunger
The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a warning about the potential impact of a powerful El Niño weather pattern, which could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by the end of next year. This would bring the global total to 274 million people facing severe food insecurity. Scientists predict an 81 percent chance of an exceptionally strong El Niño, with Pacific Ocean temperatures reaching unprecedented levels. The phenomenon is expected to cause droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall, severely affecting crop production in vulnerable regions, particularly Central America and Southern Africa. The WFP also highlights that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, coupled with weather-related crop failures, could further elevate food prices, exacerbating the situation for vulnerable families. The agency is expanding early assistance programs in 18 countries and urges governments and humanitarian partners to prepare for what could be one of the most severe climate-driven food emergencies in year...