WMO official urges proactive stance as El Niño already underway
A strengthening El Niño across the Pacific has prompted governments across Latin America to mobilize firefighters, activate contingency plans and prepare their water, energy and transportation systems for drought, extreme heat and flooding in the months ahead, according to reports from the region.
Unlike hurricanes or earthquakes, the climate phenomenon develops gradually over months, giving governments time to prepare before its most severe impacts arrive. But experts said authorities in the region have often struggled to turn forecasts into action, raising questions about whether countries will be better prepared than during previous El Niño events that caused widespread economic damage and disrupted water, energy and food systems.
Rodney Martinez, the World Meteorological Organization’s representative for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, said governments should not wait for the full picture to emerge before acting.
“Now is the time for decisions, for effective preparedness and the political consistency to really be proactive this time,” Martinez said.
“El Niño is confirmed. El Niño is ongoing. It’s not simply a possibility,” Martinez said.