Why in News?

• Two-third of Europe is under some sort of drought warning, in what is likely to be the worst such event in 500 years.

Global Drought Observatory Report:

• The report states that 47% of the continent is in "warning" conditions, meaning soil has dried up.
• Another 17% is on alert - meaning vegetation "shows signs of stress".
• The report warns that the dry spell will hit crop yields, spark wildfires and may last several months more in some of Europe's southern regions.
• Compared to the average of the previous five years, EU forecasts for harvest are down 16% for maize, 15% for soybeans and 12% for sunflowers.
• The drought observatory is part of the European Commission's research wing.
• The report warned that nearly all of Europe's rivers have dried up to some extent.
• Dry rivers are hitting the energy sector, with hydroelectric power down by 20%.
• A "severe drought" has been present in many places all year, but has been further expanding and worsening as of early August.
• It has exposed relics of the past - including so-called "hunger stones" and the sunken remains of WW-II Nazi ships.
• In UK, some trees have turned an autumnal shade of auburn - in what's considered a "false autumn" due to the heat.

Impact of Drought:

• Disruptions in coal supply has hit power production, leading to electricity shortages and a further increase in energy prices already pushed high by the war in Ukraine.
• Food is getting more expensive in many countries, and drinking water is being rationed in some regions of the Europe.
• Disruption of Waterways: Europe depends heavily on its rivers to move cargo and other items in an economical manner. Most large ships have been rendered unusable.
• Lack of adequate water has badly impacted the operation of nuclear power plants, as they use large amounts of water as coolant.
• Shortage of electricity and an unprecedented rise in energy prices.
• Increased events of Wildfires.

Drought:

• Drought is a rainfall-scarce period which affects the availability of water for irrigation, drinking as well as for other purposes.

Types of Drought:

• Three types-

• Meteorological drought: Prolonged dry spell in periods when rainfall is expected.
• Hydrological drought: Scarcity of water begins to hit normal supplies in the system.
• Agricultural drought: Scarcity of water begins to affect the agricultural production.

• In Europe, all the three kinds of drought are being observed with varying degrees in different areas.

Situation World-wide:

• Many regions of China too are experiencing drought, being described as the worst in last 60 years.
• The country’s longest river, Yangtze, and biggest freshwater lakes- Poyang and Dongting, are touching their lowest levels.
• Over 40% of the area in the United States too is under drought conditions currently, affecting about 130 million people, according to the US government.