Climate · Humanitarian response
UN urges early aid as El Niño threatens vulnerable communities
Weather and relief chiefs call for preparations before climate shocks deepen humanitarian needs.
The World Meteorological Organization and the UN’s humanitarian office called on 21 October for immediate action against mounting El Niño risks. WMO chief Celeste Saulo said the event is expected to peak late in 2026, with effects continuing afterwards.
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher said he had released more than $50 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for 11 countries. Priorities include pre-positioning supplies before heavy rains and protecting seeds, livestock and livelihoods.
WMO cited a forecast of tropical Pacific sea-surface temperatures reaching 3.8°C above average during November–January. That is a forecast, not a measured outcome for the coming season.
Sources
- UN Geneva / WMO / OCHA: Joint press conference and account, 21 October 2026
Compiled by The Meridian News Desk from the sources listed above. Eyewitness accounts are attributed and their verification status is stated. Where sources give different figures, both are shown.
