Draught is one of the most dreaded Weather-related disasters , as it results in long periods of dry months with scarcity of water. This happens mainly when there is little or no rainfall in a region, which depends mainly on the monsoon and the other types of rainfall. In such a situation the source of the water body dries up and makes it difficult for the inhabitants of the region to survive.

The worst cases of Drought may result in suicidal cases of the farmers, who are rendered incapable of being able to produce the required amount of food grains to be sold in the market. Droughts are especially devastating for the countries which thrive on agricultural produce. There are several draught resisting measures too to see that such a situation can be tackled with all the necessary resources.

Causes of Drought

The most important cause of drought is the deficiency of water due to below average precipitation or rainfall. Another reason, which is man made is erosion. Deforestation results in loss of natural vegetation, which plays a very important role in the precipitation process. The absence of trees is a great draw back for evaporation, which in turn results in little or no cloud formation. Thus, rainfall suffers.

Effects of Drought

Here are some of the effects of drought:

• Reduced crop yields.
• Death of livestock.
• Shortages of water for industrial users.
• Desertification

Mass migration, resulting in internal displacement and international refugees.

Malnutrition, dehydration and related diseases.

Famine due to lack of water for irrigation.

Social unrest.

The most important drought resisting measure is careful rainfall harvesting and encouraging the use of recycled water in the draught prone regions.