El Niño 2026 Intensifies, Threatening Global Food Security; WHH Prepares Rapid Response

The 2026 El Niño event has been classified as ‘strong’ and is projected to become a ‘very strong’ and exceptional phenomenon, with a near‑100 % chance of lasting until February 2027. Drought, extreme heat, and erratic rainfall are already damaging crops, livestock, and water supplies in Southern Africa and the Sahel, while East Africa faces flooding and storms after a prolonged dry spell. South Asia, Central America and the Caribbean are experiencing worsening water scarcity and agricultural losses that threaten livelihoods. The World Meteorological Organization warns that the event could surpass any modern‑era record, amplifying existing food insecurity, displacement, conflict and economic pressures. In response, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and its national partners have activated risk‑communication plans, anticipatory action thresholds, and rapid‑scale assistance protocols. With more than 20 prior activations, WHH is poised to expand coverage to additional high‑risk locations before impacts turn into larger humanitarian crises.