UN Agency Warns El Niño Could Push 49 Million Into Acute Hunger
The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that a powerful El Niño weather event could lead to nearly 49 million additional people facing acute food insecurity by the end of next year. This prediction is based on an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño, with sea surface temperatures at their highest since at least 1982. El Niño, known for altering global weather patterns, is often linked to droughts in Southern Africa, delayed monsoons in parts of Asia, and erratic rainfall elsewhere. The WFP's analysis of 45 vulnerable countries suggests that the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity could rise by 22%, affecting regions like Central America and Southern Africa the most. The report also highlights potential impacts in South America and the Caribbean, with over 12 million additional people possibly falling into acute food insecurity. 
