According to several forecasts, El Niño is expected to cause severe drought conditions in the Southern and central parts of Myanmar over the coming months. In order to identify ways to prepare for these exceptional conditions, ADPC in collaboration with the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Myanmar convened a national El Niño Outlook Forum in Nay Pyi Taw on 16 February.

El Niño is a weather pattern that results from variations in ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. In 2016, the phenomenon is predicted to be the strongest ever recorded causing extreme weather conditions across the globe. Communities in Myanmar, among other nations in the Asia-Pacific region, are expected to be exposed to extreme heat, water shortages and the potential spreading of diseases.


The El Niño Outlook Forum provided stakeholders with the latest information about the phenomenon’s expected global and
regional impact and a country-specific seasonal outlook for Myanmar.

Participated by government agencies, international organizations, and media representatives, the outlook forum provided stakeholders with the latest information about El Niño’s expected global and regional impact presented by Dr. Senaka Basnayake, ADPC’s Head of Climate Change and Climate Risk Management. Mr. Hla Tun from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology presented on the country-specific seasonal outlook for Myanmar, and ADPC’s Program Manager Mr. Atiq Kainan Ahmed illustrated the anticipated regional impacts and preparedness issues related to the phenomenon.

The event also served as a platform for a dialogue between weather forecasting agencies and those applying the available knowledge to design and implement effective preparedness measures to mitigate El Niño’s impact. Government agencies presented on preparedness measures in different sectors, including water resources management, agriculture, energy, and health.

The event was organized as part of ADPC’s long-term program to strengthen weather and climate services in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Vietnam funded by the Norwegian government. It was presided over by Dr. Hrin Nei Thiam, Director General of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Myanmar and Mr. N.M.S.I. Arambepola, Deputy Executive Director for ADPC.


The forum was participated by government agencies, international organizations, and media representatives.