The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a warning about a severe El Niño event expected during the 2026/27 season, which could exacerbate the impacts of floods and other climate-related shocks already affecting member states. The warning was made during a recent SADC meeting, where officials emphasized the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.
According to SADC's Climate Services Centre, the El Niño phenomenon is likely to bring below-average rainfall in parts of the region, potentially leading to drought conditions in some areas while increasing flood risks in others. The organization has urged member countries to strengthen early warning systems and disaster preparedness plans.
El Niño is a climate pattern that affects weather globally, often causing extreme weather events. In southern Africa, it has historically led to severe droughts, impacting agriculture and food security. The 2015-16 El Niño, for example, caused widespread crop failures and left millions in need of food aid.
SADC's call for proactive measures aligns with broader regional efforts to build resilience against climate variability. The organization has been working with national governments and international partners to improve climate adaptation strategies and ensure timely responses to climate-related emergencies.
