As experts predict a strong El Nino, Pacific countries are getting ready for extreme weather conditions.
Peru and other Andean countries are bracing themselves for El Nino, the weather phenomenon which disrupts normal meteorological behaviour. On August 10, the Peruvian authorities declared a pre-emptive state of emergency in 17 administrative districts in the north of the country. Past Ninos have had very damaging effects on the Peruvian economy in particular.
A strong El Nino will likely damage Andean economies in the short term and hinder growth.
Peru in particular will struggle to deal with droughts and flooding, but improved preparation and responses will see fewer casualties.
Some impacts will be more benign than others; it may bring welcome rain in southern California.
