Israel prepares for effects of 'Godzilla' El Niño with Health Ministry drills

El Niño typically peaks around December, but Israelis could see more rain and flooding in early autumn because of the strength of this year's weather event.

The Health Ministry held a drill to prepare for a “Super El Niño” event and other inclement weather events, the ministry announced on Thursday.

El Niño affects weather patterns globally because it warms the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which shifts atmospheric circulation and alters jet streams.

In the Americas, parts of the northern US and Canada get warmer and drier, while parts of the southern US and southern South America face increased flood risk. 

Because of altered atmospheric circulation, Israel and the Mediterranean region typically experience wetter winters with more intense storms. However, forecasters say this year is likely to feature a "Godzilla" El Niño, which could become the strongest on record.

Notably, the world just experienced its joint-hottest month since records began, with August pushing the planet's average global temperature to more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

Israel prepares for strongest-ever El Niño

Combined with the effects of climate change, the phenomenon could make 2027 the hottest year on record.

El Niño typically peaks around December, but Israelis could see more rain in early autumn because of the strength of this year's weather event.

It also means that some Israeli cities closer to sea level are at higher risk of flooding.

The ministry's drill tested the health system’s preparedness for scenarios including floods, heavy snowfall, and strong winds. It also tested El Niño's potential impact on overall government systems, such as power and water outages, blocked access routes, damage to buildings, shutdowns of medical facilities, and the provision of care to at-risk populations. 

The response to health consequences that could result from extreme weather events and climate change was also examined, including increases in cases of rabies, West Nile fever, and other diseases.

The drill was attended by representatives from hospitals, health maintenance organizations, Magen David Adom, the Fire and Rescue Authority, the Home Front Command, the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), and the Energy, National Security, and Welfare ministries.

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