El Niño: How is the DRC preparing to face this natural phenomenon?

The World Meteorological Organization announced on October 8 that an exceptionally intense El Niño episode is expected, with a peak forecast for December 2026 and impacts potentially lasting into 2027. The phenomenon warms Pacific waters and can bring extreme heat, torrential rain and flooding, as well as drought and below-normal precipitation. It could cause deaths and destroy crops and infrastructure. Augustin Tagisabo, forecasting lead at the DRC’s National Meteorological Centre, spoke with Jody Daniel Nkashama about the country’s preparations and whether a contingency plan is in place.