Shifting from El Niño to La Niña – Your Guide to Weathering the Storm
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), describe El Niño and La Niña as opposite phases of a natural climate pattern across the tropical Pacific Ocean that swings back and forth every 3-7 years on average. Together, they are called ENSO (pronounced “en-so”), which is short for El Niño-Southern Oscillation.
The NOAA chart below shows the strength and duration of every ENSO cycle since 1990 and as you can see, we are currently coming off the back of a very strong El Niño ‘warm’ phase in 2023, the strongest since 2015/16. According to the NOAA’s March 2024 update, the warm phase of ENSO is lingering in the tropical Pacific, but there are indications that a quick transition to neutral conditions may occur by the April - June period 2024. As the seasons change, so do the prevailing weather patterns and NOAA are primed for the potential onset of a strong La Niña ‘cool’ phase in the June – Aug period 2024, promising a shift towards storms, heavy rain, and possible flood conditions across our region.
Understanding La Niña and Its Impact
La Niña (the cool phase) is essentially the opposite of El Niño (the warm phase) and is marked by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. As you can see in the chart below, this phenomenon is typically marked by cool, wet weather conditions in the Southeast Asia region, leading to stronger than usual storms, increased rainfall, and potential flooding; as such we should prepare for the likelihood of more significant weather-related challenges in the coming months.
La Niña Climate Impacts
How BELFOR Asia Is Preparing to Support You
At BELFOR Asia, we are not just monitoring these developments; we are actively preparing to ensure that our clients and partners (in the Insurance Industry and beyond), are supported through any challenges La Niña may bring. Our team of experts is enhancing our readiness in several key areas:
- Increased Resources for Immediate Response: We are bolstering our inventory of restoration equipment and expanding our team to ensure rapid response capabilities to any incident, be it flooding, storm damage, or other weather-related impacts.
- Advanced Planning and Preparedness Consultations: Through BELFOR’s Red Alert program, we offer personalized consultations to help our clients develop robust preparedness plans. This includes assessing your property's vulnerability to heavy rains and storms and recommending practical measures to mitigate these risks.
- Enhanced Monitoring and Local Authority Alignment: At BELFOR Asia, we are diligently monitoring advisories and forecasts from national weather and emergency services in respect to gathering storms, flooding, and weather-related incidents. This vigilant approach allows us to align our resources and response strategies closely with those of local experts, ensuring we are well-prepared to offer coordinated and effective support whenever and wherever disasters strike.
- Educational Initiatives and Workshops: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to disaster preparedness. We are rolling out a series of workshops and informational sessions throughout Southeast Asia, aimed at educating our clients and the business community in how to prepare for and respond to La Niña-related events (please contact your local BELFOR office for details of forthcoming events).
Your Role in Preparedness
Preparation is a shared responsibility. While BELFOR Asia is committed to supporting you before, during, and after any disaster, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact of heavy rains and storms:
- Review your disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure they are up to date.
- Conduct regular maintenance checks on your property to identify and address any vulnerabilities.
- Prepare emergency supplies and keep contact information readily accessible.
- Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings through reliable sources.
- Register with BELFOR Connect to receive periodical updates, advisories, and recommendations.
Looking Ahead Together
Whilst the prospect of a strong La Niña phase may seem daunting; it’s a challenge we can face together. With proactive measures and the support of BELFOR Asia, the effects of harsh weather conditions on our businesses and communities can be substantially reduced.
As always, we are here to support you. For more information on how to prepare for the upcoming season, or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to your local BELFOR Asia team.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact your local BELFOR Asia team.
