The UK Environment Secretary has warned citizens to stockpile food at home to prepare for what may be the most severe El Niño in decades, amid concerns that storms, flooding, and cyberattacks could disrupt the food supply chain.
On 3 September 2026, Environment Secretary Angela Eagle warned the public to keep food reserves at home to prepare for potentially severe weather linked to the strongest El Niño forming over the Pacific Ocean in decades. She noted that a strong El Niño could bring drier summers, wetter winters, and more intense storms to the UK, while many parts of Asia may face severe flooding.
The Environment Secretary advised households to have long-lasting, sufficient food supplies to sustain themselves for a period in case emergency services cannot reach them immediately during a crisis. She emphasized that being prepared would help families cope better with such emergencies.
This warning coincides with a report from the UK National Audit Office, which stated that the country’s food supply chain faces risks from plant and human disease outbreaks, cyberattacks, and severe weather. Climate change is identified as a long-term threat that could impact food security.
Source: BBC