disaster
World: 2026 El Niño Health Risks: Six Extreme Weather Threats Facing the Americas
By Direct Relief at ReliefWeb
· June 25, 2026
· 5 min read
. By Olivia Lewis The Atlantic may be seeing a weaker hurricane season than in previous years, but the Americas are bracing for a different kind of threat. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, issued an El Niño advisory on June 11, with forecasters predicting a 63% chance of
Key takeaway While El Niño conditions will likely translate to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, it also acts as a chief indicator of long-lived and potentially severe thunderstorms, as well as the possibility for extreme drought in some areas.
Why this matters
The impending El Niño event poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations in the Americas, particularly in regions prone to flooding and coastal erosion. California, the US South, and Southeastern South America are among the areas facing the greatest threats, with potential consequences including increased respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. The compromised water supplies and torrential rains associated with El Niño can have devastating effects on communities, especially those with limited access to healthcare. As Dr. Ronaldo Similox of Fundación Margarita Valiente notes, the situation is particularly dire for communities that have already experienced flooding this year. The predicted "very strong" or Super El Niño event highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the health impacts of extreme weather events. Faith-based organizations and humanitarian groups, such as those tracked by Christgiving, may play a critical role in providing medical support and relief to affected communities, underscoring the importance of responsible giving to verified nonprofits.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . By Olivia Lewis The Atlantic may be seeing a weaker hurricane season than in previous years, but the Americas are bracing for a different kind of threat. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, issued an El Niño advisory on June 11, with forecasters predicting a 63% chance of
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Direct Relief at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .