UNICEF: More than 347 million children at risk due to El Niño — The Hill

One of the strongest El Niño events could put the lives and health of more than 347 million children in nearly 100 countries at risk. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported this, The Hill reports.

According to the organization’s assessment, unusual wet and dry conditions could cause extreme weather events, including severe floods and serious droughts. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted that for children, El Niño means not only a weather phenomenon but also increased risks of displacement, malnutrition, water shortages and disease outbreaks.

Regions at greatest risk

According to UNICEF, children in Asia and the Pacific may suffer the most from the effects of El Niño. In Eastern and Southern Africa, the phenomenon could affect around 41 million children, with the same number in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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In Europe and Central Asia, approximately 22 million children are at risk. Another 20 million children each could be affected in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in West and Central Africa.

Droughts, displacement and school closures

UNICEF warns that droughts and water shortages this year could increase the risk of forced displacement in Colombia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. The organization also points to the risk of school closures and additional financial hardship for families.

According to the World Health Organization, El Niño in 2015–2016 affected 60 million people in 23 countries. Save the Children reported that millions of people then left their homes in search of food, water and work, while around 6 million children faced malnutrition. UNICEF adds that weather-related disasters displaced more than 20,000 children every day during 2016–2023.