Deadly El Nino heat threatens nearly half a million more lives

Environment
23 Sep 2026 • 5:42 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Deadly El Nino heat threatens nearly half a million more lives

  • A report by the Climate Impact Lab warns that this year’s El Nino and the record heat it’s driving could cause up to 451,000 additional deaths by the end of February.
  • The projected fatalities are for the entire El Nino period, from June 2026 until the end of February 2027.
  • Developing countries in the Global South are expected to bear the heaviest burden of the excessive heat, according to the study.
  • Africa's Sahel region is projected to be the hardest-hit area, with an estimated 66,800 additional deaths caused by El Nino-driven heat.
  • The report highlights different measures governments can take, including heat-warning systems, cooling centres, hydration stations, protections for outdoor workers, expanded hospital capacity and targeted outreach to elderly people and other vulnerable groups.

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