Cabinet intensifies preparations for El Niño impact

The Cabinet of South Africa is ramping up preparations for the potential impact of an El Niño weather event, both this year and next, as concerns grow over water security, agriculture, and food supplies. The World Meteorological Organisation has issued a warning that El Niño will intensify in the coming months, with high rainfall and temperature patterns posing risks of floods, drought, and extreme heat.

Government spokesperson William Baloyi explained that measures are being put in place to mitigate the potential impact on communities and municipal water systems, especially in areas already grappling with water shortages. Baloyi emphasized the importance of alerting citizens about the impending El Niño event. He stated that the Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) will soon publish the finalised public campaign materials.

Baloyi also noted that El Niño is a climate phenomenon whose impact hinges on its development and local weather conditions. Consequently, South Africa is preparing for the possibility of hotter and drier conditions, along with below-normal rainfall in certain areas during the upcoming season.