The natural phenomenon known as El Niño is expected to exacerbate climate disturbances. Temperatures may rise, while droughts, heavy rainfall, and flooding could become more pronounced.
Strong swells have been recorded for nearly a week in the south of the country, gradually moving toward the east and north. Sea conditions began to deteriorate significantly in the southwest on Sunday, reaching peak intensity between the night of Monday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 8, with waves reaching up to five meters. This situation is largely attributed to a surge linked to a storm that developed in temperate and polar latitudes in the southern Indian Ocean.
The transition between the austral winter and the milder month of September is thus marked by these heavy swells, compounded by the effects of climate change and global warming.
Scientists also highlight the influence of the El Niño climate phenomenon, characterized by abnormal warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. On its website, the WWF warns that a very intense El Niño episode could trigger cascading crises for both populations and nature. The phenomenon is expected to be much more intense this year, potentially leading to more severe heatwaves, heavy rains, and floods.
“The El Niño episode began in June and is expected to peak at the end of 2026 or early 2027. The combination of El Niño and rapid global warming could worsen droughts, floods, and fires, and also disrupt food supply chains in vulnerable regions,” the WWF states.
The risks associated with this climate phenomenon, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, and food shortages, can have repercussions on communities, their daily lives, access to drinking water and energy, their livelihoods, and the economy.
Populations are urged to strengthen their resilience, particularly through the protection and restoration of ecosystems. The WWF also calls on governments to invest now in preparing for the effects of this natural phenomenon. Early warning systems, seasonal forecasts, local climate information, and anticipatory measures can help save lives and reduce losses.
The organization also advocates for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. These limited resources are among the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.
“El Niño is not a permanent phenomenon. But the climate crisis will remain if we do not take responsibility,” emphasizes the WWF, which calls for the development of renewable energy, the restoration of biodiversity, and the strengthening of local communities’ resilience to climate change.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-09 05:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/climat-el-nino-accentue-les.html