Worries grow over humanitarian impacts of 'strongest El Nino'

[webfact]

Worries grow over humanitarian impacts of 'strongest El Nino'
By Matt McGrath
Environment correspondent

LONDON: -- The strongest El Nino on record is likely to increase the threat of hunger and disease for tens of millions of people in 2016 aid agencies say.

The weather phenomenon is set to exacerbate droughts in some areas while increasing flooding in others.

Some of the worst impacts are likely in Africa with food shortages expected to peak in February.

Regions including the Caribbean, Central and South America will also be hit in the next six months.

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35159826


-- BBC 2015-12-30

[soalbundy]

looking at this selfishly, does that mean the price of rice will go up?

[Steely Dan]

looking at this selfishly, does that mean the price of rice will go up?

Yes probably, but offset by poor harvests due to water shortage.

[Ulic]

Governments and NGO's across Africa rubbing there hands with glee. Nothing like a good

famine to drive up donations and fatten bank accounts. Any one who knows the game knows

that unfortunately I am correct. Yes I have spent time in Africa, and any African journalist

(speaking off the record), will confirm this.

[Dumbastheycome]

looking at this selfishly, does that mean the price of rice will go up?

Yes probably, but offset by poor harvests due to water shortage.

Poor harvests imply shortages. Surely a shortage would push prices up , not down?