The natural phenomenon El Niño is expected to intensify climate disruptions. Temperatures could rise, while droughts, heavy rainfall and flooding could also become more severe. Early warning systems should help mobilize local populations against El Niño.
Strong swells have been recorded for nearly a week in the south of the country and are gradually moving toward the east and north. The sea began to deteriorate sharply from Sunday in the Southwest, reaching peak intensity during the night of Monday 7 to Tuesday 8 September, with waves potentially reaching five meters. This situation is notably explained by a new surge linked to a storm that developed in temperate and polar latitudes, south of the Indian Ocean.
The transition between the austral winter and the milder period of September is thus marked by these strong swells. To these disruptions are added the effects of climate change and global warming.
Scientists also emphasize the influence of the El Niño climate phenomenon, characterized by abnormal warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. On its website, the WWF warns that a very intense El Niño episode could trigger cascading crises for populations and nature. The phenomenon is expected to be much more intense this year. Extreme heat, heavy rainfall and flooding could thus be more pronounced.
Resilience
"The El Niño episode began in June and is expected to peak in late 2026 or early 2027. The combination of El Niño and rapid global warming could worsen droughts, floods and fires, but also disrupt food supply chains in vulnerable regions," the WWF states.
Risks associated with this climate phenomenon, notably heat waves, droughts, floods and food shortages, can have repercussions on communities, their daily lives, access to drinking water and energy, their livelihoods and the economy.
Populations are called upon to strengthen their resilience, particularly through the protection and restoration of ecosystems. The WWF also invites governments to invest now in preparing for the effects of this natural phenomenon. Early warning systems, seasonal forecasts, local climate information and anticipatory measures can help save lives and reduce losses.
The organization also recommends reducing dependence on fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. These limited resources are among the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.
"El Niño is not a sustainable phenomenon. But the climate crisis will remain if we do not take our responsibilities," emphasizes the WWF, which calls in particular for developing the use of renewable energy, restoring biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of local populations to climate change.
Mirana Ihariliva