El Niño will affect more than 347 million children in one hundred countries in 2026

The effects of a strong El Niño event will affect more than 347 million children in one hundred countries. RIA Novosti reports this with reference to UNICEF.

According to the organization, the event will bring "unusually wet or dry conditions between October and December 2026." This will increase the risk of extreme floods and droughts, with potentially devastating consequences. In addition, El Niño can lead to displacement, malnutrition, water shortages and disease outbreaks.

“Globally, 1.1 billion children – almost half of the world’s children – are already exposed to at least three concurrent climate hazards, such as drought, extreme heat or floods, and El Niño is expected to make these shocks even more severe,” UNICEF said.