The most powerful El Niño in 35 years has been declared officially over by the UN and major meteorologists . However , its effects will continue to be seen for many months and could result in almost 100 m people experiencing food shortages , thousands of farmers losing income and cities witnessing rising prices . It is estimated that 50 m people in southern Africa may need help from the UN ’s World Food Programme as a result of the phenomenon . Southern Asian countries including Cambodia , India , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , the Philippines and Thailand are also witnessing El Niño ’s effects through extreme weather , droughts and heatwaves . In a country where rice accounts for about nearly a quarter of all poor people’s spending, any price increases or shortages can translate into political dissent. A reverse “ La Niña ” phenomenon in which temperatures become lower than usual may also occur causing floods and heavy rain in a number of countries .
The most powerful El Niño in 35 years has been declared officially over by the UN and major meteorologists . However , its effects will continue to be seen for many months and could result in almost 100 m people experiencing food shortages , thousands of farmers losing income and cities witnessing rising prices . It is estimated that 50 m people in southern Africa may need help from the UN ’s World Food Programme as a result of the phenomenon . Southern Asian countries including Cambodia , India , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , the Philippines and Thailand are also witnessing El Niño ’s effects through extreme weather , droughts and heatwaves . A reverse “ La Niña ” phenomenon in which temperatures become lower than usual may also occur causing floods and heavy rain in a number of countries .