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Norwegian Church Aid Responds to Early Impacts of El Niño
El Niño brings drought, floods, and food shortages to large parts of the world. In many countries, the weather phenomenon comes on top of existing crises. Norwegian Church Aid is now acting early s to help more communities withstand the impacts of extreme weather.
Flooding and extreme weather are hitting communities hard. Norwegian Church Aid is strengthening preparedness efforts to help people affected by the consequences of El Niño.
“Preparedness is not only about being ready when a crisis happens. For Norwegian Church Aid, it is also about being there before it does,” says Arne Næss-Holm, Head of International Programmes at Norwegian Church Aid.
A powerful El Niño is developing and is expected to peak between September and December 2026, with impacts that could be felt well into 2028. The phenomenon increases the risk of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events across several vulnerable regions.
Alarming figures
The consequences of El Niño could be devastating. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 50 million people in 45 countries could lose access to sufficient food by the end of 2027. Eastern and Southern Africa are among the regions expected to be hardest hit.
This is why Norwegian Church Aid, together with local partners, is responding to early impacts before the crisis hits in several of the countries where we work.
Anticipatory action, is becoming an increasingly important part of how Norwegian Church Aid proactively responds to humanitarian crises. By using weather forecasts, scientific modelling, and early warning systems, we can act before a predicted hazard turns into a humanitarian disaster. This helps communities protect what matters most to them.
For example, we provide cash assistance when extreme weather is forecast, enabling families to purchase food or shelter materials, or move to safer locations. We also distribute drought-resistant seeds, promote climate-resilient crops, and build emergency stockpiles so local communities are better prepared for adverse weather and humanitarian impacts are reduced.
“By investing in preparedness now, we can help families maintain access to food, water, and livelihoods. The goal is to reduce the need for large-scale emergency assistance if the situation worsens,” says Næss-Holm.
Tailored preparedness before the crisis grows
Preparedness, often referred to as anticipatory action, is becoming an increasingly important part of how Norwegian Church Aid prepares for and responds to humanitarian crises. By using weather forecasts, scientific modelling, and early warning systems, we can act before a predicted hazard turns into a disaster. This helps communities protect what matters most to them.
For example, we provide cash assistance when extreme weather is forecast, enabling families to purchase food or move to safer locations. We also distribute drought-resistant seeds, promote climate-resilient crops, and build emergency stockpiles to strengthen local preparedness.
“Imagine receiving a warning that a major flood is likely to hit your community in several days. If you know the flood is coming, you may have time to move livestock to higher ground, reinforce your home, store clean water, protect important belongings, or relocate your family to safety. But without support or resources, many households are unable to take these steps,” says Næss-Holm.
This is where anticipatory action comes in.
“This approach enables humanitarian organisations to release assistance before the worst of a disaster strikes, giving vulnerable communities the opportunity to act early. Instead of waiting for needs to escalate, support is provided when people can still reduce the impact of what is about to happen,” he explains,” he explains.
The difference may seem simple, but it can be transformative.
How we address climate change
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Developing resilient water and sanitation services that can withstand extreme weather events.
- Food Security
Promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening local adaptation strategies.
- Locally Led Response
Supporting civil society and working closely with local faith actors and community organisations.
- Preparedness
Implementing early warning systems, anticipatory action measures, and emergency stockpiles to reduce the impact of disasters before they strike.
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Norwegian Church Aid Responds to Early Impacts of El Niño
El Niño brings drought, floods, and food shortages to large parts of the world. In many countries, the weather phenomenon comes on top of existing crises. Norwegian Church Aid is now acting early s to help…