El Niño Health Emergency 2026: WHO Places India Among High-Risk Countries

El Niño 2026 High-Risk Top Countries

WHO’s Global Public Health Situation Analysis, published on 5 September 2026, placed these South Asian countries in the high or very high risk category:

• India
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Maldives

India Among Countries Facing High or Very High Health Risks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up its global response to El Niño-related health risks by activating Grade 3, the highest level of its internal emergency-response system. In its September 2026 assessment, WHO named India among the countries facing high or very high public-health risks. Its strategic preparedness and response plan was released on 2 November 2026 and runs from October 2026 to September 2027. WHO needs about US$35 million initially, for the period October 2026 to March 2027.

Grade 3 is not the same as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. It only shows how seriously WHO is treating the situation internally.

How Will El Niño Impact India and Create Health Risks?

WHO has linked the changing temperature and rainfall patterns to several health concerns that could affect India:

• Extreme heat: Higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
• Mosquito-borne diseases: Diseases such as dengue and malaria may spread more easily.
• Water shortages and water-related infections: Scarce or unsafe water can lead to illness.
• Food insecurity: Drought and uneven rainfall can hurt crops and food supply.
• Pressure on healthcare: Hospitals and health services may face disruption.

Why Has WHO Issued an El Niño Health Alert?

El Niño is a natural climate pattern in which surface waters of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual. This changes wind and rainfall patterns across the world. Some regions face long dry spells, extreme heat and drought, while others get heavy rain and floods. WHO fears these shifts could increase heat-related illness, infectious diseases, food shortages and pressure on healthcare services.

A high-risk rating does not mean every part of these countries will face a health emergency. The actual impact depends on local weather, existing health problems and how well prepared each area is.