Strengthening El Niño to push 49 million more people into acute hunger

Nearly 50 million more people in highly vulnerable communities globally are set to be pushed into acute hunger because of the strengthening El Niño weather phenomenon, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Wednesday.In response, the agency and partners are boosting efforts in eight countries to protect some of the most vulnerable communities who are already struggling with poverty, conflict, joblessness and repeated climate extremes. Priorities include preparing for floods, droughts and storms before they hit. “El Niño is a massive threat to the food security of millions who are already vulnerable,” said Carl Skau, WFP’s Acting Executive Director. “The sooner we help families to prepare for these climate shocks, the greater our ability to save lives and protect livelihoods.”Acute hunger refers to people who are unable to meet their daily food needs. Key points49 million more people could face acute hunger because of El Niño beginning in September.225-274 million: the number of acutely food-insecure people could rise by around 22 per cent.Central America and southern Africa are expected to be among hardest-hit regions.Early action benefits: every $1 invested in prevention can sa...