Drought Archives - Page 2 of 2

Sep222024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Finds Droughts Could Last 10 Days Longer by Century’s End

A new study published in Nature reveals that the average duration of the longest annual drought periods could be 10 days longer by the end of this century than previously predicted. This new estimate, based on improved climate modeling techniques, indicates that the risks posed by droughts to societies and ecosystems may be more severe than previously thought. Researchers led by Irina Petrova and Diego Miralles examined drought projections from multiple climate models under moderate and high-emissions scenarios (IPCC's SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). They calibrated these projections using historical data from 1998 to 2018, focusing on the longest annual dry spells the number of consecutive dry days each year. Key Findings The study suggests that drought periods could extend by 42–44% on ...

Sep32024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drought: A Growing Global Threat Highlighted by Economic Disparities and Slow Onset, Study Reveals

Breaking News, Disasters

Drought, one of the most insidious and costliest natural disasters, is increasingly threatening global economies and livelihoods. Unlike sudden calamities such as earthquakes or hurricanes, droughts develop gradually, often intensifying without immediate notice. This slow progression can lead to severe consequences, including drinking water shortages and economic disruptions, particularly in vulnerable regions. A recent study published in npj Clean Water highlights the complex nature of droughts and the global awareness of their impacts. The study emphasizes the gradual onset of droughts, making them difficult to predict and manage effectively. Initially, signs of drought may include reduced rainfall, lower water levels in rivers and lakes, and minor decreases in agricultural yields. Ho...

May72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Karnataka Govt Seeks Time from Supreme Court for Additional Information in Plea for Drought Relief Funds

Breaking News, Disasters

The Karnataka government has requested more time from the Supreme Court of India to submit additional information in its plea seeking the release of financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for drought relief. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal informed the bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta about discrepancies in the filed reply, prompting the court to list the matter for post-vacation hearing. A month earlier, the Supreme Court had instructed the Attorney General and Solicitor General to provide instructions on the plea within two weeks. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta pointed out that the Karnataka government could have directly engaged with the Union government to address its concerns, instead of filing a petition. The Karnataka government's plea see...

Apr272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drought Threatens Endangered Hippos in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

In Botswana's northern region near the vast wetlands of the Okavango Delta, herds of endangered hippos are facing a dire situation as severe drought grips the area. The dried-up Thamalakane River, exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, has left these magnificent creatures stranded in dried-up ponds, raising concerns about their survival. Conservation authorities have sounded the alarm, warning that the hippos, already endangered, are at risk of dying if immediate action is not taken. The scarcity of water has forced the animals to seek refuge in natural water reserves near the tourist town of Maun, further highlighting the severity of the situation. Lesego Moseki, spokesperson for Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), expressed concern over the compromi...