Droughts
Disaster Management (Open Elective) — [Link] CSE
Team:
523141179 - K Harshitha
523141180 - K Sai Srinivas
523141182 - K Giridhar
523141184 - K Snehil
523141191 - L Praneeth
523141192 - L Likhita
Introduction to Drought
Definition
Extended period of below-normal precipitation causing water shortage for
people, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Causes
Climate change, monsoon failure, unsustainable water use.
Reduced precipitation, rising temperatures, land-use change
Types
Meteorological — precipitation anomaly
Agricultural — soil moisture deficit affecting crops
Hydrological — reduced river flows, reservoirs, groundwater
Case Study 1 — Sahel Drought
(1968–1974)
Countries: Mali, Nigeria, Chad — prolonged rainfall failure across the
Sahel region of Africa.
Impacts: Severe famine; estimated over 100,000 deaths and millions of
livestock lost, affecting livelihoods.
Causes: Persistent low rainfall, desertification and poor land
management.
Response:
For nearly five years (1968–1972), the governments of the Sahel and
the international community ignored or downplayed the crisis. It wasn't
until 1973—when the drought was at its absolute peak—that a full-scale
emergency was declared.
Case Study 2 — Maharashtra
Drought (India, 2012–2016)
Region & Period: Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra
— drought conditions from 2012, worst during 2015–2016.
Causes: Poor monsoon rainfall, overuse of groundwater, and
cultivation of water-intensive crops.
Impacts: Crop failure, livestock deaths, migration of rural families,
and reduced electricity generation from hydro plants.
Government Response: Water rationing, financial relief for farmers,
groundwater recharge projects, and support for drought-resistant
crops.
Case Study 2 — Horn of Africa
Drought (2011)
Countries: Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya — affected by two
consecutive failed rainy seasons (2010–2011).
Humanitarian Impact: In 2011, famine was officially declared in
Somalia. Around 260,000 people died across the region (according
to UN reports).
Causes: Lack of rainfall for a long period, rising food prices, and
ongoing conflicts that blocked aid delivery.
Response: International organizations provided food aid,
emergency water supply, and large-scale humanitarian assistance.
Case Study 3 — California
Drought (USA, 2011–2017)
Causes:The drought was caused by a strong ridge of high
pressure over the Pacific Ocean—This blocked major winter
storms from reaching California.
Economic Impact:This drought wiped out 102 million trees
from 2011 to 2016. Increased wildfires and ecosystem stress;
long-term soil moisture decline.
Policy Measures:
[Link] Groundwater Management Act (SGMA):
A historic law passed to regulate excessive groundwater
pumping and protect wells from drying up
2.$7.5 Billion Funding: Approved major funding for building
new reservoirs, improving water recycling, and providing
emergency drinking water supplies.
Case Study 4 — Australian
Millennium Drought
(1997–2009)
Region: Southeastern Australia, especially the Murray–Darling
Basin area.
Water Impact: River water levels dropped, dams had very low
storage, and groundwater levels decreased for many years.
Government Response: Introduced new water management
laws, allowed water trading, and built desalination and recycling
plants.
Outcome: Australia improved its water policies and focused on
long-term water conservation and drought resilience.
Thank You