Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 23 September 2026

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Huge El Niño projected to cause 450,000 deaths in next six months

Climate scientists at the University of Chicago project that El Niño could cause about 451,000 additional heat-related deaths worldwide from September 2026 through February 2027. Elevated risks could continue into mid-2027. The United States could see about 3,500 additional heat-related deaths, while droughts and wildfires could further increase the overall toll. Tropical countries are expected to be hit hardest, with Nigeria and Indonesia predicted to be among the most affected. To produce these estimates, researchers compared temperature forecasts with records of past heat-related deaths across more than 24,000 regions.

Scientists warn that this El Niño offers a preview of conditions likely to become more common as climate change raises global temperatures, underscoring the need for both immediate preparedness and long-term resilience. By identifying where the greatest risks are likely to occur, the findings can help officials target protective measures such as improved heat-warning systems and cooling centers that could save lives.

Analyst Comments: Faith-based organizations often serve people who face higher heat risks. Their facilities may become trusted places for cooling or aid. Extreme weather can also disrupt worship services and community programs. Staff and volunteers may face added exposure during outdoor work.

What Can Be Done

• Monitor local heat alerts and emergency notices.
• Identify space that can provide cooling or temporary shelter.
• Check on older adults and people with limited transportation.
• Adjust outdoor activities during periods of extreme heat.
• Coordinate plans with emergency managers and health partners.

Weekly Security Sprint EP 174. Texas Travel, Weather, Russian Interference, and More.

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of the week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment.

In this week’s Weekly Security Sprint Dave and Andy lag severe weather disrupting major sports events (a reminder to factor storms into holiday event planning), rising Russian cyber and physical aggression tied to the upcoming election, a new U.S./Australia/Japan report on “Water Plum” (North Korea’s fake-interview malware scam targeting IT workers), an FBI PSA warning about scammers impersonating law enforcement, and fresh international guidance from CISA, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. on detection, SOC setup, and exercises. The throughline is that resilience comes from layered controls, not any single fix.

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found at Podcasts (gate15.global).