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El Niño induces water scarcity and weather extremes

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2026-09-27 16:08 UTC → 2026-10-08 05:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The El Niño weather pattern continues to drive water security and economic concerns in South Africa, Sri Lanka, and broader Southern Africa. In South Africa, authorities are preparing for higher temperatures and drier conditions. While national dam levels remain high at approximately 95.5%, experts warn this should not create a “false sense of security” due to aging infrastructure. In the Western Cape, Cape Town’s combined dam capacity has dropped to 77.4%, a decrease of roughly 13 percentage points compared to last year. Mining companies, such as Sibanye-Stillwater, are also planning for potential droughts and floods, while Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has urged the agricultural sector to prepare for increased wildfire risks. Regional economic risks are escalating, with the African Development Bank warning that affected countries could face losses of up to $20 billion. In Eswatini, the Lubombo region is preparing for water shortages and livestock feed challenges. In Zambia, experts are advising the use of drought-tolerant crops and conservation farming to mitigate risks to food security and electricity generation, though a recent bumper maize harvest may provide a cushion. In Lesotho, the government is preparing for hotter and drier conditions by securing drought-resistant seeds and advising farmers to stockpile animal feed and water. Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane noted that while recent rains may sustain crops through December, farmers must prepare for worsening conditions. The Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum has forecast a higher likelihood of below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures for the region between October and December. In Sri Lanka, the ~~situation has evolved into extreme weather volatility. The~~ drought has ~~intensified, now affecting over 169,000 individuals across 10 districts, with the Disaster Management Centre reporting that 51,959 families are struggling with inadequate~~ intensified into a severe crisis. Months of insufficient rainfall, driven by El Niño and climate change, have left many reservoirs at approximately one-third capacity, necessitating water ~~access.~~ rationing. Smallholder farmers face the prospect of abandoning cultivation as wells dry up.

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