Drought

A drought is an event that arises from lower than normal expected rainfall over a season or period. Agricultural production and human needs are not adequately met by this low rainfall. The shortfall in rain results in the drying of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs and the drying of wells due to unrestricted withdrawal and poor recharge of groundwater and loss of crop yield because of a shortage of water are some of the main indicators of drought. 

Lack of precipitation can result in a number of issues for nearby towns, including crop damage and a lack of drinking water. Devastating economic and social catastrophes including starvation, forced emigration from drought-affected areas, and warfare over scarce resources can result from these effects.

Causes: When there is not enough rainfall, there is a drought. As per Meteorological

Department, droughts occur when annual mean rainfall is less than 75% of the normal amount. The severity of drought is defined by the extent of deviation of rainfall from the average. Due to deforestation and environmental degradation, droughts have become more frequent in the past few years.

Effects: Agricultural production is adversely affected by drought. To start with, drought affects mostly rainfed crops and eventually the irrigated crops. Women, children, and farm animals are particularly affected, as well as herdsmen, landless workers, subsistence farmers, and women.

• Large-scale starvation and mortality result from crop failure or food shortage.
• Contains effects on dairy products, timber, and fishing.
• Increases unemployment.
• Depletion of groundwater.
• Aquifers deep in the ground require more energy to pump out water.
• Results in a reduction in hydroelectric energy production.
• Loss of biodiversity; and decreased landscape quality.
• Affects health, causes poverty, reduces the quality of life, and causes tension among the population, which causes migration.

Governments must assess their drought vulnerability and boost resilience. By practising and encouraging water conservation and improving water efficiency throughout landscapes, city designs, and water infrastructure, they can aid in the preparation for both upcoming droughts and climate change. They can help farmers plant drought-resistant crops, find alternate water sources, and develop emergency drought strategies.