IRC warns El Niño could trigger floods, drought and disease outbreaks across East Africa and Asia

Millions of Kenyans are affected by the drought ravaging many parts of the countryMillions of people across East Africa and Asia could face severe flooding, disease outbreaks, heatwaves and drought in the coming months as an intensifying El Niño weather pattern gathers strength, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned.

Afghanistan is also expected to receive above-average rainfall under El Niño conditions, placing large parts of the country at risk of flooding.

Uganda is also expected to experience a transition from dry conditions to heavy rainfall later in the year, raising concerns over flooding, displacement and disease.