Who is Most Vulnerable When the 'Godzilla' El Niño Hits Jakarta?

The ‘Godzilla’ El Niño phenomenon, expected to impact Jakarta, will not only bring extreme hot weather but also heighten health risks, particularly for certain vulnerable groups. Jakarta Health Service Head Ani Ruspitawati stated that the most at-risk groups are children and the elderly. Both are considered more susceptible to health disruptions when temperatures rise and air quality declines simultaneously. “High temperatures not only increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration but also worsen chronic diseases such as heart and lung conditions,” Ani said at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday (16/4/2026), quoted from Antara. In such conditions, children with immature immune systems and the elderly with generally declining health become the most affected groups. The ‘Godzilla’ El Niño also triggers drought that could worsen environmental conditions, including denser dust and air pollution. This combination of factors creates dual pressures on public health. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo previously warned that health aspects are one of the main focuses of the government in facing this phenomenon, besides potential disruptions to food availability. “The second issue is health problems, especially those related to ARI,” Pramono said. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing anticipatory steps with a preventive approach to curb broader impacts on the ground. Residents are urged to increase water consumption, reduce outdoor activities during the day, and use protective items such as masks, hats, or umbrellas when active. Additionally, the public is reminded to continue monitoring official weather information to adjust daily activities. With increasingly extreme weather conditions, individual preparedness is key to minimising health impacts, especially for those in the most vulnerable groups.