Southeast Asia warned of ‘Godzilla El Nino’ whiplash threatening drought, floods, haze

Southeast Asia is facing a significant climate threat from an impending El Nino, which experts warn could bring a period of extreme weather. This "Godzilla El Nino" is expected to cause drought, flash floods, crop failures, and haze across the region. The World Meteorological Organization has indicated that rising sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific signal El Nino's likely arrival next month. This comes at a vulnerable time for Southeast Asian economies, which are already grappling with geopolitical tensions, increased energy costs, and reduced remittances, leaving them less equipped to handle climate-related shocks.