About 1.3 million Cambodian children to face high risk from El Niño

According to UNICEF Cambodia, on October 13, 2026, approximately 1.3 million children in Cambodia will face the risk of climate change caused by the El Niño natural phenomenon. UNICEF has forecast that in 2026-2027, the El Niño phenomenon is forecast to be one of the strongest on record, and it could pose a serious threat to people's livelihoods. In its report, UNICEF raised the alarm that climate change driven by El Niño could severely affect food and water sources, living conditions, and the essential services that children rely on every day. More than 347 million children in nearly 100 countries around the world, including Cambodia, will face unusually hot and dry or unusually wet conditions between October and December 2026. For Cambodia, the El Niño phenomenon could leave citizens short of water for farming, increase pressure on household incomes, affect children's schooling and healthcare services, among other impacts. UNICEF's latest assessment shows that at least 3,800 schools and 401 health centers across Cambodia are at risk from various natural disasters, including severe drought and floods. In response to this issue, UNICEF stated that it will work closely with the Cambodian government and supply essential materials. It should be noted that in its notice dated October 10, 2026, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology forecast that the 2026 rainy season would end in the third week of October, while the El Niño phenomenon would persist until February 2027. By: Srei Pi