Drought is a natural disaster that can cause severe food insecurity and other problems. It can harm local economies, hurt farmers, disrupt family incomes and affect mental health. It can also strain ecosystems, reduce water quality and fuel conflicts over limited resources. And it can change how people interact with each other and how communities function.
The definition of drought varies by region and is often complex. It can be hard to define, and it often depends on how the term is used: for example, if drought leads to fewer crops, it might have a negative economic impact, but if it allows farmers to spend less time in the field and more time at home with their families, it might have a positive effect on their lives.
In general, drought occurs when a region receives significantly less precipitation than normal for an extended period of time. This can happen naturally and is largely driven by weather patterns, but it can also be influenced by human activities like irrigation or population spikes. Climate patterns such as El Nino and La Nina can lead to drought in different parts of the world.
What makes drought so serious is that it can have widespread impacts. Unlike an earthquake or hurricane, droughts can last for weeks, months and years—and they can cause devastating damage to people, livestock, crops and infrastructure. The best way to avoid these impacts is through planning and preparedness. In fact, every $1 spent on disaster preparation can save $4 in response costs.