El Nino tied to 484,500 excess heat deaths, lab says

The University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab estimates that 484,500 excess heat-related deaths worldwide since June are linked to this year’s exceptionally strong El Nino, as floods, drought and crop risks spread across several regions.

The lab projects that about 373,000 additional excess heat-related deaths could occur over the next six months.

The World Bank expects food prices to rise by 18 percent between 2025 and 2027, citing supply difficulties caused by conflicts and anticipated effects of El Nino.

In India, ferocious winds and torrential rain hit the southeastern coast after Cyclone Arnab made landfall, killing at least three people and triggering nearly 100,000 evacuations. The storm later moved toward Nepal, bringing heavy snowfall to high Himalayan regions and intense rain through Saturday.

In Bolivia, drought is affecting 78,000 families in six of the country’s nine departments and has led to the loss of more than 75,000 cattle, according to a government report. President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency on Saturday to free resources for dealing with El Nino’s impact.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization is monitoring risks to staple crops including rice, corn, beans, sorghum, millet and wheat, as well as export crops such as cocoa and coffee. FAO chief economist Maximo Torero said staple foods were the main food-security concern because they provide most calories in vulnerable countries.