Hot Topics : El Niño and Drought in Southern Africa (GS-1 Mains)

Short Notes or Micro Notes

El Niño and Its Impact:

El Niño: Warming of ocean surfaces in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (every 2-7 years).
Current Crisis:
- Severe drought in southern Africa (Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe) due to El Niño.
- February 2024: Driest month in 40 years for Zambia and Zimbabwe (WFP).
- Millions rely on agriculture; corn (staple food) heavily affected.
- Nearly 50 million in southern/central Africa already facing food insecurity (WFP).
Global Impact:
- Influences weather patterns, ocean conditions, and marine fisheries worldwide.
- 2016: Hottest year on record due to El Niño.
- 2015-16: Worst drought in 35 years for southern Africa.
- 2024: Potential global economic losses of $3 trillion (study in Science journal).
Impact on India:
- Weak monsoons, drought-like conditions, reduced rainfall, heatwaves.
- Crop failures, water scarcity, economic disruptions due to extreme weather.

La Niña (ENSO Cycle Opposite of El Niño):

Cooler than average ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
Stronger trade winds pushing warm water towards Asia.
Upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water off the Americas.
Global Weather Impact:
- Drought in South American countries (Peru, Ecuador).
- Floods in Australia.
- High temperatures in Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, off Somalia.
- Influences Indian weather patterns.
Impact on India:
- Potentially better monsoon rains, good agricultural yield, economic benefit.

Additional Notes:

ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) cycle includes El Niño, La Niña, and a neutral state.
La Niña can cause heavy floods in some regions despite increased rainfall in India.