JAKARTA - The Dutch Red Cross warns that extreme weather associated with El Nino can threaten food security and water supplies in various countries.
Based on the Anadolu Agency report, quoted Tuesday, June 16, the warning was delivered when the chances of El Nino in the next few months were getting bigger.
Dutch Red Cross director Harm Goossens said the most vulnerable groups will bear the brunt of the extreme weather.
"Extreme weather always hits the most vulnerable people the hardest. They will be hit three times harder by drought, floods or extreme heat. This will only increase the risk of food shortages and disease," Goossens said in a written statement, as quoted by Anadolu Agency.
El Nino is a phenomenon of warming sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. The impact can trigger changes in weather patterns in many areas, including drought, floods, and heat waves.
Goossens said drought could lead to crop failures and push up food prices. The situation is also at risk of exacerbating food insecurity in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Middle East.
"By acting faster, we can prevent a lot of suffering. In the end, the aid is also cheaper and more effective," said Goossens.
He emphasized the importance of anticipation steps so that extreme weather does not develop into a major humanitarian disaster.
"The biggest advantage lies in preparation," said Goossens.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently warned that the chance of El Nino appearing in the June-August period reached 80 percent.
WMO also said the chance of El Nino lasting at least until November was close to or above 90 percent.
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