Drought

Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation that can lead to water shortages, impacting ecosystems, agriculture, water supply, and various human activities. It is a complex natural hazard with significant environmental, social, and economic consequences. Here are key aspects of drought:

Causes of Drought

• Meteorological Drought: Lack of rainfall or below-average precipitation for an extended period characterizes meteorological drought. This is the most common form of drought.

• Hydrological Drought: Hydrological drought occurs when water sources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers experience reduced water levels due to prolonged dry conditions.

• Agricultural Drought: Agricultural drought relates to soil moisture deficits that affect crop growth. It occurs when there's not enough water in the soil to meet the needs of crops.

Characteristics and Impacts

• Water Scarcity: Reduced precipitation and water availability lead to water scarcity, affecting both surface water and groundwater resources.
• Crop Failures: Insufficient water for crops can result in reduced yields, economic losses for farmers, and potential food shortages.
• Ecosystem Stress: Drought can stress ecosystems, leading to decreased vegetation, habitat loss, and disruptions in wildlife populations.
• Water Supply Challenges: Municipal water supplies may face shortages, impacting communities, industries, and essential services.
• Wildfires: Prolonged dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires, as vegetation becomes more susceptible to ignition.
• Livestock and Wildlife: Drought affects the availability of water and forage for livestock, leading to challenges in animal husbandry. Wildlife may face similar challenges.
• Economic Impact: Drought can have significant economic consequences, including reduced agricultural productivity, increased food prices, and impacts on various industries.
• Human Health: Drought can indirectly affect human health through its impact on water supply, food availability, and the potential for conflicts over scarce resources.

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Drought Data Analysis

The Drought dataset encompasses occurrences of wildfires across the USA spanning from 2000 to 2023. The dataset includes information on the total count of deaths and the number of individuals affected, providing quantitative insights.

Sample Data

Disaster Type	Disaster Subype	Location	Total Deaths	Total Affected
Drought	Drought	West and central states	45	0
Drought	Drought	Nationwide	0	0
Drought	Drought	Nation wide; Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon and Texas	136	0

The US Drought monitor

The US Drought Monitor (USDM) is a comprehensive and collaborative effort by several federal agencies, including the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), among others. It provides up-to-date information and assessment of drought conditions across the United States.

Link for the US Drought Monitor Map (November 2023): https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Maps/MapArchive.aspx

Dataset can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k1YhIULXMt4URSIpeJfgfRbiee_YA7oXfl2_s6xfnpk/edit?usp=drive_link

Deaths and Affected numbers on the basis of different Climatological disasters in USA from 2000-2023

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The US Drought Monitor Map

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Reference

1. https://climatedata.imf.org/

2. https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/06/california-americas-garden-is-drying-out/