El Niño deepens across Asia Pacific, highlighting future climate risks and the need for greater preparedness

Kuala Lumpur, 6 November 2026 - As world leaders gather at COP31 to address the growing humanitarian impacts of climate change, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across Asia Pacific are strengthening preparedness efforts as El Niño continues to drive drought, extreme heat, water shortages and other climate-related impacts across the region. What was once a forecasted threat is now an unfolding humanitarian challenge, with risks becoming increasingly clear and humanitarian consequences expected to continue into 2027, placing growing pressure on health, food security, livelihoods and vulnerable communities.

Water security is emerging as one of the most immediate humanitarian concerns. Declining rainfall, prolonged dry conditions and extreme heat are affecting water sources in several countries, while rising temperatures are increasing the risks of heat-related illness and climate-sensitive diseases, including dengue and other vector-borne diseases, placing additional strain on already stretched health systems and highlighting the need for stronger climate-resilient health services.

"Across Asia Pacific, we are seeing the impacts of El Niño unfold in different ways, but a common concern is the growing pressure on communities that are already vulnerable," said Alexander Matheou, Regional Director for Asia Pacific at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

"El Niño offers a glimpse of the climate risks that communities may increasingly face in the future. While the weather event itself may peak in the coming months, many of the humanitarian consequences will be felt long afterwards. The challenge ahead is not only responding to climate hazards but helping communities cope with the longer-term impacts on health, food security, livelihoods and access to essential services."

The impacts of El Niño are expected to fall disproportionately on vulnerable communities, including those dependent on subsistence agriculture, people living in drought-prone areas, displaced populations and small island developing states and communities affected by displacement, which often have the fewest resources available to adapt and recover.

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the region are sharing experiences, assessing risks and strengthening preparedness efforts together. The IFRC is supporting this work through technical assistance, readiness support, anticipatory action mechanisms and humanitarian financing, helping National Societies strengthen preparedness and reach at-risk communities before humanitarian needs escalate.

"The impacts of El Niño do not stop at national borders, and neither should our response. The more we learn from each other, support each other and work together, the stronger we become collectively in addressing this challenge and strengthening resilience across the region," said Matheou.

Matheou added: "As climate-related extremes become more frequent, we need to invest in preparedness, adaptation and local action before disasters strike. The lessons from El Niño are clear: communities need the resources, support and capacity to act early if we are to reduce humanitarian impacts and build resilience for the future."

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