By Zoila Palma: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is warning of increasing health risks across the Americas as El Niño continues to strengthen, with significant impacts possible in the coming months.
In its first regional situation report on the phenomenon, PAHO noted that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates there is more than a 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026–27.
PAHO said the effects are already being felt in several countries, with drought, food insecurity, wildfires and flooding reported across the region.
More than 5.2 million people are affected, exposed to risk or experiencing acute food insecurity, while eight countries or territories have issued emergency declarations or alerts linked to El Niño-related threats. “El Niño is not just a climate phenomenon. It can affect people’s health in many ways, from food insecurity and vector-borne and water-borne diseases to disruptions in health services,” said Dr. Ciro Ugarte, Director of PAHO’s Department of Health Emergencies.
In Central America, PAHO identified the Dry Corridor, particularly Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, as a major area of concern because of drought, reduced water availability and impacts on agricultural production.
Guatemala has nearly 3 million people facing critical levels of food insecurity, while Honduras reports between 1.8 and 2.2 million people affected by acute food insecurity. Elsewhere, Colombia is dealing with wildfires, heavy rainfall and dengue, while Peru has recorded at least 70 deaths from heavy rains, flooding and landslides between December 2025 and August 2026, with more than 600 health facilities affected.
The Caribbean is also facing risks, with Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago reporting drought conditions and water scarcity.
PAHO warned that extreme heat, mosquito- and water-borne diseases, poor air quality and disruptions to health services could intensify as El Niño develops. Health facilities may also face damage, interruptions to water and electricity supplies, supply-chain disruptions and reduced access to healthcare.
PAHO is urging countries to strengthen disease surveillance and early-warning systems, protect essential health services and ensure access to safe water, medicines, vaccinations and healthcare for vulnerable communities.
The post International News: Pan American Health Organization warns strengthening El Niño could bring growing health risks across Americas appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is warning of increasing health risks across the Americas as El Niño continues to strengthen, with significant impacts possible in the coming months. In its first regional situation report on the phenomenon, PAHO noted that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates there is
The post International News: Pan American Health Organization warns strengthening El Niño could bring growing health risks across Americas appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.