Question

According to Indian Meteorological Department, a year is considered a drought year in case the total area affected exceeds
1. 10% of the total area of the country
2. 20% of the total area of the country
3. 50% of the total area of the country
4. 75% of the total area of the country

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 20% of the total area of the country

Explanation

Drought is defined as less availability of moisture in a particular area. It is classified into three categories –

1. Meteorological Drought – Meteorological drought happens when dry weather patterns dominate an area. It can be further classified into three categories based on rainfall deficiency (RD).

a. RD < 25% - Drought

b. 25% ≤ RD ≤ 50% - Moderate Drought

c. RD > 50% - Severe Drought

2. Hydrological Drought - Hydrological drought occurs when low water supply becomes evident, especially in streams, reservoirs, and groundwater levels, usually after many months of meteorological drought.

3. Agricultural Drought - Agricultural drought happens when crops become affected.

Note: -

• A particular year is called Drought Area if the area affected is more than 20% of the total area.
• If in any area drought occurs with probability 0.20 to 0.40, then that area is called Drought Prone Area.
• If probability > 0.40, then that area is called Chronically Drought Prone Area.