With El Niño 2026 set to be the strongest on record, Public Health specialist and Director of Trinidad and Tobago's Department of Wellness, Dr Alina Williams, is warning the region to safeguard itself against the harmful effects of the climate phenomenon.

She said in a recent Facebook post that the super event poses more than an environmental threat; it presents serious health risks for persons living within the Caribbean.

"For us in the Caribbean it means super charged heat, unpredictable rainfall, drought, but also intense downpours," Williams said.

She highlighted that sustained heat makes the heart work harder. "Your kidneys struggle and your blood gets thicker, dehydration happens faster than you realise and can lead to kidney stones, UTI and cardiovascular strain."

Williams added that persons with asthma, hypertension and diabetes will find those illnesses harder to manage.
She continued that the heat also speeds up bacterial growth in food, increasing the risk of food-borne illness.

 

"It creates the possibility of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stronger UV exposure means increased risk of skin damage, skin cancer and hyperpigmentation," she explained.

Williams further warned of the psychological risks associated with intense heat, highlighting aggressive and unusual behaviour among persons.

"Heat disrupts sleep, it increases irritability and anxiety and research links extreme heat directly to a spike in aggression and conflict, while those suffering with depression and anxiety will see their situation worsen."

Williams said El Niño causes heavy rainfall, which increases the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya. She urged persons to keep their surroundings clean and take the necessary precautions.

For the heat, she recommended remaining hydrated, eating lighter but more often, rescheduling outdoor routines like exercise, and wearing skin protectants and appropriate clothing.