Drought monitoring as a component of drought preparedness planning

Abstract

Drought is the most complex of all natural hazards. The lack of progress in drought preparedness planning and the development of national drought policies is a reflection of this complexity. As countries move toward a higher level of preparedness, drought monitoring and early warning systems become paramount because these systems provide the information necessary to make timely decisions regarding the management of water and other natural resources. Just as critically important is the development of delivery systems that provide decision makers at all levels and for all primary sectors with data and information that will assist them in making timely decisions. These decision support tools provide end users with information they need to reduce the most serious consequences of drought and reduce the need for government and donor intervention in the form of drought assistance and relief. The goal is to create more drought resilient societies.With the demand for water increasing because of expanding population, urbanization, changes in land use, and many other factors, the time to move to a more risk-based drought management approach is now. Given projected increases in temperature and uncertainties regarding the amount, distribution, and intensity of precipitation, the frequency, severity, and duration of drought may increase in the future. Developing improved drought monitoring and early warning systems in support of drought preparedness planning and policy is an urgent need for all drought-prone countries.