UNICEF Warns of El Niño Threat to Children in 100 Countries

UNICEF has warned about a growing El Niño threat to children worldwide. More than 347 million kids across nearly 100 countries could be affected between October and December 2026.

UNICEF Sounds Alarm on El Niño’s Reach

GENEVA, October 6. UNICEF has issued a fresh warning about the El Niño threat to children. Nearly 100 countries and territories could feel the impact.

The agency said unusually wet or dry conditions will strike many nations. This will happen between October and December 2026.

“””More than 347 million children in almost a hundred countries and territories will face unusually wet or dry conditions between October and December 2026 due to the El Niño phenomenon, which will increase the risk of extreme floods and droughts with potentially devastating consequences,””” the agency said.

Floods, Droughts and Mounting Dangers

El Niño will not simply bring bad weather, UNICEF cautioned. It could trigger forced displacement, malnutrition and water shortages. Disease outbreaks may also follow close behind.

Nearly Half the World’s Children Already Face Climate Risks

Climate shocks are already a daily reality for many kids worldwide. UNICEF noted that 1.1 billion children already face three or more climate threats at once.

“””Globally, 1.1 billion children, almost half of all children in the world, are already exposed to at least three simultaneous climate threats, such as drought, extreme heat or floods, and El Niño is expected to make these shocks even more severe,””” UNICEF added.

Between 2016 and 2023, weather disasters forced more than 20,000 children to migrate daily. Experts believe El Niño could push that number even higher.

Asia Pacific Region Faces the Heaviest Toll

UNICEF’s data shows the Asia Pacific region carries the heaviest burden. About 190 million children there face these mounting climate risks.

East and Southern Africa each report 41 million children at risk. Latin America and the Caribbean also count 41 million children at risk.

Europe and Central Asia report 22 million children facing these threats. The Middle East and North Africa count 20 million children at risk. West and Central Africa report a similar number, also 20 million.

One of the Strongest El Niño Events on Record

In August, the United Nations said the 2026 2027 El Niño event could become one of the strongest ever recorded.

This growing intensity adds urgency to the El Niño threat to children everywhere. Governments and aid groups may need to prepare quickly for the months ahead.