World Food Programme Warns of 49 Million More Facing Acute Hunger Due to El Niño
The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning that a powerful El Niño weather event could push an additional 49 million people into acute food insecurity by the end of next year. This projection is based on an analysis of 45 countries, indicating a potential 22% increase from the current baseline of individuals already experiencing crisis-level food insecurity. The UN agency's report highlights an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño, with sea surface temperatures reaching their warmest levels since at least 1982, potentially making it the most intense event since 1950. Historically, El Niño alters global weather patterns, leading to droughts in Southern Africa, delayed monsoons in parts of Asia, and erratic rainfall elsewhere. Jean-Martin Bauer, director of WFP’s Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Service, emphasized that such events have previously triggered widespread hunger. 
