The government has intensified preparations ahead of the October-November-December El Niño rains, with early measures underway to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure in high-risk areas. The Ministry of Interior says it is preparing to support up to one million people if conditions worsen, including about 500,000 who could be displaced or require humanitarian assistance. The contingency plan is based on a strong El Niño scenario that could trigger widespread flooding, infrastructure damage and livelihood losses.