Archive · 25 Sep 2026
El Niño Fund Receives One-Fifth of UN Request
El Niño is a natural warming event that can change weather around the world.
This event may cause serious droughts and floods.
The United Nations asked for $202 million to help people in 22 countries prepare.
So far, it has received only about $40 million.
Many of the countries at risk are in Africa.
Somalia is already facing very high levels of hunger.
Aid officials say early preparation could reduce the need for a much larger emergency response later.
They are worried that children’s malnutrition and food shortages will become worse.
The United Nations requested $202 million to prepare for El Niño-related food crises in 22 high-risk countries.
Donors have provided about $40 million, according to Rein Paulsen of the Food and Agriculture Organization.
El Niño is expected to peak between October and December and could bring severe droughts and flooding.
More than half of the high-risk countries are in Africa, where existing conflict, displacement and malnutrition could worsen the effects.
Somalia is already experiencing severe hunger, with six million people reportedly facing crisis levels of food insecurity.
- Who
- The United Nations, including the World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization, is seeking funds for nearly nine million people in 22 high-risk countries.
- What
- Only about one-fifth of the requested $202 million has been received to prepare for food crises linked to El Niño.
- When
- The funding was requested in June; El Niño is expected to peak between October and December, with projected effects extending through February.
- Where
- The affected countries are across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, with Somalia specifically highlighted.
- Why
- The money is intended to prepare for droughts, flooding and worsening food insecurity before the full effects of El Niño occur.
- Funding requested
- $202 million
- Funding received
- About $40 million
- Countries targeted
- 22 high-risk countries
- People targeted
- Nearly nine million people
- Expected El Niño peak
- Between October and December
- Somalia hunger situation
- Six million people reportedly face crisis levels of hunger
- Somalia displacement
- More than 700,000 people were displaced in 2023, including 500,000 by drought, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council