Asian countries are significantly escalating their preparations for what meteorologists and climate experts are terming a "supersized El Niño." This powerful climate phenomenon, fueled by unusually warm tropical Pacific waters and exacerbated by human-driven climate change, is projected to reach very strong intensity by the end of 2026 and continue into 2027. The World Food Programme warns that this could push approximately 50 million people into severe hunger, a concern echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who described the event as "being supersized before our eyes."
India Strengthens Agricultural Resilience
In India, the monsoon season of September 2026 has already seen rainfall deficits nearing 50% in some regions, severely impacting critical crops such as rice, pulses, cotton, and maize. This shortfall has heightened anxieties over reduced harvests and a potential surge in food prices.
In response, the Indian government has initiated a "protective shield for farmers," as described by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Authorities across more than 350 vulnerable districts are actively enhancing water conservation and harvesting infrastructure. Farmers are also being encouraged to cultivate drought-resistant, short-duration crops like pulses and millets to mitigate the effects of erratic rainfall.
Sri Lanka Grapples with Drought
Neighboring Sri Lanka is enduring its most severe drought in a decade, with over 160,000 individuals facing critical drinking water shortages as reservoirs deplete. Disaster management agencies are making contingency plans for scenarios where freshwater supplies could vanish, potentially necessitating the processing of seawater in Colombo.
China and Taiwan Boost Extreme Weather Readiness
China has launched a comprehensive 100-day campaign focused on preparing for extreme weather events and safeguarding agricultural yields from both drought and intense rainfall. Beijing plans to upgrade its early-warning systems and has urged cities to develop "climate risk maps" to pinpoint areas susceptible to flooding and severe heatwaves.
Taiwan recently conducted extensive drills simulating three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 40°C. These exercises included scenarios involving disruptions to power and water, rail service interruptions, air-conditioning failures, and mass heatstroke incidents. The island nation's "Cool Map" platform guides vulnerable citizens to designated air-conditioned shelters.
Southeast Asia Faces Food Security Pressures
Southeast Asian nations are already contending with significant challenges, including disrupted energy and supply chains, elevated fertilizer costs, and dense haze from seasonal fires. Regional rice yields are forecast to decline by 8–10% due to the El Niño effects.
Governments and farmer cooperatives in the region are actively promoting regenerative agriculture practices and transitioning towards the use of biofertilisers to enhance crop resilience and sustainability.
Korea and Japan Prepare for Heatwaves and Typhoons
South Korea has revised its heatwave alert system, introducing a new top-tier warning that mandates a halt to non-emergency outdoor work when perceived temperatures reach 38°C.
Japan is bracing for a dual threat of potentially destructive typhoons and extreme heat. Authorities are advising residents to adhere to evacuation warnings and maintain stockpiles of food and water. Infrastructure officials have identified high-risk highway underpasses that may be closed preemptively during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent flooding.