African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Moses Viracati said on the 30th in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, that the strongest El Niño event in decades may occur later this year, and many regions of the African continent will face extreme weather and disaster risks. He called on African countries to strengthen scientific early warning and adopt effective disaster prevention measures to protect lives, livelihoods and economic development. Viracati said at the special ministerial consultation meeting on dealing with El Niño held at the African Union headquarters on the same day that scientific predictions indicate that the probability of a “super El Niño incident” occurring later this year is as high as 90%, and the peak intensity is expected to occur between November 2026 and February 2027. “This will be the strongest since 1950. This is not a remote possibility; it is an imminent risk, and we need immediate preparations at the national, regional and continental levels.” Viracati pointed out that according to forecasts, many regions of the African continent may face serious challenges, including severe droughts, devastating floods, ongoing heatwaves, interruptions in food production, water shortages, disease outbreaks, and increased humanitarian needs. “These impacts will not only affect vulnerable households, but will also put tremendous pressure on countries' economies, public finances, and regional stability.” “History shows that acting in a timely manner can save lives, protect the economy, and preserve development gains.” Viracati said that the African Union is ready to work hand in hand with member states, professional institutions and development partners to speed up implementation of various measures, mobilize resources, and support disaster prevention and mitigation efforts throughout the African continent.

African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Moses Viracati said on the 30th in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, that the strongest El Niño event in decades may occur later this year, and many regions of the African continent will face extreme weather and disaster risks. He called on African countries to strengthen scientific early warning and adopt effective disaster prevention measures to protect lives, livelihoods and economic development. Viracati said at the special ministerial consultation meeting on dealing with El Niño held at the African Union headquarters on the same day that scientific predictions indicate that the probability of a “super El Niño incident” occurring later this year is as high as 90%, and the peak intensity is expected to occur between November 2026 and February 2027. “This will be the strongest since 1950. This is not a remote possibility; it is an imminent risk, and we need immediate preparations at the national, regional and continental levels.” Viracati pointed out that according to forecasts, many regions of the African continent may face serious challenges, including severe droughts, devastating floods, ongoing heatwaves, interruptions in food production, water shortages, disease outbreaks, and increased humanitarian needs. “These impacts will not only affect vulnerable households, but will also put tremendous pressure on countries' economies, public finances, and regional stability.” “History shows that acting in a timely manner can save lives, protect the economy, and preserve development gains.” Viracati said that the African Union is ready to work hand in hand with member states, professional institutions and development partners to speed up implementation of various measures, mobilize resources, and support disaster prevention and mitigation efforts throughout the African continent.