UNICEF Warns El Niño Could Affect 1.3 Million Children in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH — Oct. 13, 2026: The El Niño phenomenon for 2026-2027 is predicted to be stronger than in previous years, and its effects could have serious consequences for children in Cambodia, UNICEF Cambodia has warned.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon caused by warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. It disrupts rainfall patterns and temperatures worldwide, causing severe drought and extreme heat in some areas, and heavy rain and flooding in others. These climate shifts can severely affect water sources, food supplies, livelihoods and essential services on which children depend.

More than 347 million children across nearly 100 countries are expected to face unusually dry or wet weather conditions. In Cambodia specifically, about 1.3 million children are at risk from climate-related impacts driven by El Niño.

For families, the phenomenon can lead to shortages of daily water and water for farming, creating pressure on household incomes and disrupting education and health care.

A recent assessment found that more than 3,872 schools and 401 health centres — about one-third of all schools and health centres nationwide — are at risk of disaster impacts, including severe drought, flooding and other natural hazards.

Source: UNICEF Cambodia

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Reported by The Khmer Today