El Niño raises growing health risks across the Americas

(Kaieteur News) – El Niño continues to strengthen and could have significant public health impacts across the Americas in the coming months, according to the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) first regional Situation Report on the phenomenon.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates there is more than a 90% probability that El Niño will reach “very strong” intensity between late 2026 and early 2027.

PAHO reports that impacts are already being seen in different parts of the region. Several countries are experiencing drought, food insecurity, wildfires, and flooding amid the strengthening El Niño, although not all of these events have been directly attributed to the phenomenon. To date, eight countries or territories have issued official emergency declarations or alerts related to El Niño-associated threats.