El Niño could push 50m into acute hunger by 2027

The UN's World Food Programme warns that the rapidly developing El Niño could push about 50 million people into acute hunger before the end of next year, adding to the 225 million already facing severe food insecurity in 45 countries. Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern Africa are likely to be worst affected, with the biggest impact in southern Africa during the 2027-2028 lean season. The WFP has budgeted at least $80m for anticipatory relief efforts.