# El Niño Threatens 347 Million Children

> UNICEF warns El Niño could harm 347 million children globally with floods, droughts and disrupted education.
- Title: El Niño Threatens 347 Million Children · Vaticannews
- Summary: UNICEF warns El Niño could harm 347 million children globally with floods, droughts and disrupted education. UNICEF warns El Niño events threaten 347 million…
- Keywords: unicef, el nino, children, floods, droughts, education, climate change, religion, world, Niño, Threatens, 347
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-10/unicef-el-nino-extreme-weather-events-children-affected-appeal.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-06T10:19:19.133+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: unicef, el nino, children, floods, droughts, education, climate change, religion, world
## El Niño threat
UNICEF warns one of the strongest El Niño events on record could bring floods, drought, displacement and education disruption.
## 347 million children at risk
More than 347 million children in nearly 100 countries and territories face wet or dry conditions from 2026-2027 El Niño.
## Children's health risks
El Niño could cause increased displacement, malnutrition, water shortages and disease outbreaks for children.
## Regional impacts
190 million children in Asia-Pacific, 41 million in East and Southern Africa, and similar numbers in Latin America and Caribbean face weather disruptions.
## Vulnerable communities
Children in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Chad face worsened hunger and malnutrition due to climate shocks.
## Education disruption
Climate events interrupted learning for 171 million students worldwide in 2025, risking further school closures.
## Early action needed
UNICEF urges governments to invest in anticipatory action before needs escalate, especially in vulnerable communities.
## Key takeaway

UNICEF warns El Niño events threaten 347 million children worldwide with floods, droughts and education disruptions.