The 2015-2016 El Nino phenomenon is one of the three strongest since 1950 and models suggest that it may surpass the strength of the 1997-1998 event, which was the strongest on record.
“In some regions, millions of people are already facing food insecurity caused by droughts related to El Nino. In other parts of the world, we have a short window of opportunity now to prepare to what we know will happen within months. In both cases, we must act together and we must act quickly.”Stephen O’Brien,
UN Under-Secretary-General for OCHA
Experts say El Nino is likely to decline in strength in January 2016, but it will continue to affect different parts of the world over the coming months with a mix of above -or below-average rainfall.
“The impact especially on food insecurity may last as long as two years. I’m particularly concerned about the number of countries spread across Central and South America, the Pacific region, and East and South Africa.”Stephen O’Brien, UN Under-Secretary-General for OCHA
Historical patterns show that La Nina sometimes follows an El Nino event and that it has an even greater overall humanitarian impact on average, as coping capacities are eroded.
La Nina impacts tend to be opposite to those of El Nino impacts. If La Nina event develops, it will more likely be in late 2016 or early 2017.
