The "Super El Niño" phenomenon could cause the deaths of 450,000 people over the next six months.

As the El Niño phenomenon approaches its peak, climatologists are warning of the devastating human toll this climate disruption could cause. 450,000 people could lose their lives within the next six months due to this upheaval.

A devastating climate phenomenon for the planet and for humanity. Climate scientists are increasingly alarmed by the dangers of El Niño, which is expected to reach its peak by 2027. This weather disturbance could cause the deaths of 451,000 people, according to initial estimates. Given the scale of the situation, the phenomenon has been renamed "Super El Niño."

“The estimated figure is so high that it can leave one speechless, but these are parents, grandparents, children,” recalls Michael Greenstone, co-author of the Climate Impact Lab study, published on September 23.

These victims risk succumbing to the extreme heat, floods, or fires expected in the coming months. These deaths would add to the already numerous fatalities recorded this summer. For example, at least 35,000 excess deaths were recorded in Europe during the summer months.

Which countries will be most affected?

No region in the world will be spared from this new climate event, but some could be hit harder than others. The Sahel is expected to be the most affected, with projections estimating 68,000 deaths. The phenomenon could also cause the disappearance of 19,400 people in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

In India, 15,800 people could die, compared to 13,300 in Brazil. Meanwhile, the United States is among the twenty most affected countries, with an estimated 3,500 excess deaths. The governor of California has already taken action by declaring a state of emergency in the state, where severe storms are expected.

Experts advise the governments concerned to anticipate the phenomenon, in particular by setting up cooling centers, increasing staff in medical facilities or better protecting workers whose activity is directly exposed to climatic extremes.

El Niño is an oceanic climate phenomenon that occurs every two to seven years. It disrupts rainfall patterns, causes severe droughts, and leads to record temperatures. This year and in 2027, it is expected to reach an intensity not seen in over 80 years.