EL NINO

Ironically called after “Baby Jesus” by Peruvian fishermen, it is a disruption of the ocean – atmosphere system in the Tropical Pacific having important consequences for global weather and climate. El Nino conditions occur once water temperatures have warmed sufficiently enough (0.5 0C or more above normal) to alter normal patterns of cloudiness and rainfall in the Tropical Pacific basin. El Nino episodes occur roughly every 4 to 5 years.

In 1997-98, El Nino contributed to a global cost of about $34 billion with 24,000 deaths and 6 million people displaced on account of drought, storms etc.,