What is drought ? What are the challenges posed by floods ?

 

What is drought ? 

Ans :

Drought is a temporary reduction in water or  moisture availability significantly below normal levels for a specific period.

 It is a climatic anomaly caused by sub-normal rainfall, erratic distribution, higher water demands, or a combination of these factors. 

Droughts are extreme hydrologic events that result in acute water shortages, persisting long enough to adversely impact humans, vegetation, animals and ecosystems across large areas. 

Meteorologists define drought as the absence of rainfall, while agriculturists view it as insufficient soil moisture in the crop root zone to sustain growth and productivity.

Drought is broadly categorized into  types based on its criteria and effects:- 

(i) meteorological, 

(ii)hydrological,

(iii) agricultural and 

(iv) socio-economic

Rainfed areas, particularly drylands, are more vulnerable to drought. 

In recent decades, monsoon patterns have become increasingly unpredictable, causing previously unaffected regions to experience mild to severe drought conditions.

 For crops and vegetation, drought induces moisture stress when evapotranspiration exceeds soil moisture availability. 

In India, agricultural drought occurs when annual rainfall falls below 50–75% of the normal southwest monsoon rains. 

Delayed monsoon onset, early withdrawal, or prolonged dry spells between heavy rains are common triggers of drought in Indian agriculture.

How droughts affect ?

Ans : 

1)Crop Yields: Insufficient water during critical crop growth phases reduces agricultural productivity threatening food security and causing significant economic losses for farmers

2)Livelihoods: Persistent droughts lead to reduced income for farmers, pushing them into debt and forcing rural families to migrate for survival.

3)Livestock: Scarce fodder and water during droughts weaken livestock health, lowering their productivity and adding to rural economic challenges.

4)Water Resources: Over-reliance on groundwater during droughts depletes aquifers, creating long-term water scarcity and unsustainable agricultural practices.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES POSED BY FLOODS ? 

Ans: 

Floods, often caused by excessive rainfall or overflowing rivers, pose immediate and long-term challenges:-

1)Crop Destruction: Floodwaters submerge standing crops, causing complete agricultural losses and devastating rural farming communities.

2)Soil Degradation: Nutrient-rich topsoil is eroded by floods, reducing fertility and making land less productive for future cultivation.

3)Infrastructure Damage: Floods destroy essential rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities and roads, disrupting the agricultural supply chain.

4)Health Hazards: Stagnant floodwater creates breeding grounds for diseases, threatening the health and well-being of rural populations.