The El Niño phenomenon could push 49 million people into acute hunger by the end of next year.

The World Food Programme has announced that the meteorological phenomenon El Niño, of greater intensity, could push nearly 49 million people into acute hunger by the end of next year. According to estimates, there is an 81% probability that El Niño will be very strong, with sea surface temperatures reaching record levels.

Nearly 274 million people could suffer from acute food insecurity, representing a 22% increase compared to the current level. The most affected regions will be Central America, where the number of affected people could increase by 83%, and Southern Africa, with an increase of nearly 75%. Additionally, South and Southeast Asia are facing significant risks due to drought and irregular monsoons.

Although previous El Niño phenomena did not lead to major increases in food prices, the current geopolitical context could worsen access to food for vulnerable households.