El Niño Intensifies, Impacts Global South and India
El Niño Intensifies, Impacts Global South and India
India · Published Sep 23, 2026
• The El Niño phenomenon, which began in June 2026, has intensified, with surface water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific rising by up to 6°C above normal in some areas. This has caused significant disruptions globally, including heatwaves, droughts, and altered rainfall patterns. India is experiencing more intense rainfall due to this phenomenon, while other regions face severe droughts and food insecurity. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a 75% chance of El Niño becoming the strongest ever recorded between October and December
• The phenomenon has already caused widespread ecological and economic impacts, including the collapse of anchovy stocks in Peru and severe droughts in Central America and Africa.

Impact & Risks

In India, the intensified rainfall linked to El Niño could lead to flooding, landslides, and disruptions in agriculture. Globally, the phenomenon is exacerbating food insecurity, with millions at risk of hunger, particularly in vulnerable regions like Central America and Africa. The warming waters have disrupted marine ecosystems, leading to mass die-offs of seabirds and marine mammals. The cascading effects on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries are expected to worsen, with significant economic and humanitarian consequences.

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