DISASTER PLANNING: UN launches unprecedented El Niño ‘anticipatory appeal’ as ‘Godzilla’ fears mount (opens original article in a new tab)

The UN's World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation have launched an unprecedented $202-million 'anticipatory appeal' to prepare for the potential impacts of a strong El Niño event, which is forecasted to be one of the most intense on record, with improved forecasting tools enabling early action to mitigate food crises in 22 high-risk countries.

• UN agencies launch first 'Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal' for $202 million to prepare for potential El Niño impacts in 22 countries
• El Niño forecasted to be 'very strong' with 63% chance of sea surface temperatures exceeding 2.0°C in Pacific region
• Improved forecasting tools like the Relative Oceanic Nino Index enhance prediction accuracy for El Niño events
• South Africa's maize production is projected to reach a record 17.1 million tonnes, but fiscal constraints may limit social assistance during potential droughts