El Niño phenomenon intensifies, driving global climate risks

El Niño climate crisis water scarcity food insecurity meteorological phenomenon

The El Niño phenomenon is intensifying globally, with NOAA and international agencies predicting it could reach a 'very strong' or 'extraordinary' category by late 2026 and early 2027. This climatic event is causing widespread disruption across the Americas.

In Central America, UNICEF warns of severe risks to food security and water supplies. Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador have established a regional framework for anticipatory action. In Guatemala, over 200,000 children face acute malnutrition risks, while in Honduras, approximately 15,000 children are vulnerable. Honduras has also declared a national emergency due to extreme drought conditions.

In South America, the impacts vary by region. Argentina expects increased rainfall and flooding risks, particularly in the Litoral region, while parts of the NEA face complex risks to perennial crops like yerba mate and citrus. In Bolivia, experts warn of potential droughts in high-altitude areas and flooding in lowlands. Meanwhile, in Colombia, water rationing continues in Medellín due to low reservoir levels, and in Ecuador, hydroelectric production is being adjusted to manage fluctuating water flows.

Costa Rica has launched a national plan to mitigate a potential 45% reduction in water production, implementing controlled rationing and emergency well activation to protect hundreds of thousands of residents.

Entities

Administrador del Mercado Mayorista · Argentina · Central America · Chixoy Hydroelectric Plant · Costa Rica · Costa Rica National Emergency Commission · Ecuador · Ecuador Electric Corporation · El Niño · El Salvador · Erwin Barrios · Guatemala

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Staple food prices have increased by an average of one percent this year compared to 2025. www.dagens.com · dagens.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Rising food prices are attributed to Middle East conflicts and concerns regarding crop yields in the European Union. www.dagens.com · dagens.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Production shortages are expected to cause price spikes for chocolate, coffee, and olive oil. www.dagens.com · dagens.de
[● 2 SOURCES] El Niño is expected to disrupt global agricultural production, particularly in Asia and Africa, leading to higher prices. www.dagens.com · dagens.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Argentine government launched the ENOS 2026/2027 Federal Coordination Plan to prepare for climate risks. spnoticias.com.ar
[● 4 SOURCES] Researcher Matilde Rusticucci warns that El Niño impacts will intensify during the spring months in Argentina. multimediodigital.com · www.agenciacomunas.com.ar · www.canal13sanjuan.com · elciudadanoweb.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Peru's ENFEN predicts the Coastal El Niño will maintain extraordinary magnitude until January 2027.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ecuador's Risk Management Secretariat reported 70 active adverse weather events as of September 28. manabinoticias.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The WMO states that El Niño is firmly established and will intensify into a very strong event in the coming months. multimediodigital.com · www.agenciacomunas.com.ar · www.canal13sanjuan.com · elciudadanoweb.com
[● 4 SOURCES] WMO forecasts show nearly a 100% probability that the phenomenon will persist until February 2027. multimediodigital.com · www.agenciacomunas.com.ar · www.canal13sanjuan.com · elciudadanoweb.com
[DISPUTED] Up to 30 million people, including nine million children, may require humanitarian assistance due to the phenomenon. www.telesurtv.net
[● 3 SOURCES] The La Concepción reservoir in Tegucigalpa remains at a critical level of 24.75% capacity. diarioroatan.com · confidencialhn.com