Fiji must prepare for the potential impacts of an El Niño event, with Opposition MP Virendra Lal warning that a prolonged dry period could severely affect farmers, food security and the wider economy.
Speaking during the 2026-2027 National Budget debate in Parliament on Monday, Mr Lal said climate risks posed another challenge to Fiji’s economic outlook.
“Another drawback for our economy is that Fiji could be heading into a drier-than-normal period, with climate experts warning that an El Niño event is increasingly likely to develop in the coming months,” he said.
Mr Lal said the Fiji Meteorological Service had placed the country under an El Niño watch, with global climate models indicating the possibility of the climate phenomenon developing.
He said if El Niño occurred, Fiji could experience reduced rainfall, particularly during the dry season, along with warmer temperatures.
