UNICEF has warned that 347 million children are at risk as a powerful El Nino develops across the globe.

The UN agency said the children live in nearly 100 countries and territories. They face unusually wet or dry conditions between October and December.

The warning was issued on October 6. Forecasters expect this El Nino to be one of the strongest ever recorded.

NOAA puts the chance of a ‘very strong’ event between September 2026 and January 2027 at over 90 per cent. There is a 69 to 75 per cent chance that October to December becomes the strongest El Nino since records began in 1950.

Children are hit hardest by climate shocks. Droughts cut food supplies. Floods spread disease and destroy homes.

UNICEF’s message is that this disaster can be seen months in advance. The test now is whether the world acts in time.

The agency says early warning must lead to early action. Pre-positioning food, clean water and medical supplies can save lives before a crisis peaks.

Past El Nino events have triggered droughts in Africa and Asia and floods in South America. This one could be stronger than any on record.