How Drought Affects Living Things

How Drought 

Affects Living Things

A drought occurs when there is an unusually low level of rainfall
in a particular place over a long period of time. The effects of
drought are wide-ranging because all living things need water
to survive.

In a drought the water levels in rivers, lakes and reservoirs are
reduced and some of these eventually dry up. When levels fall
too low, the water becomes dirty, which can lead to disease. People
need clean water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Without rain, fertile land dries out and develops deep cracks.
Hot winds blow away the parched topsoil, so the land is no longer
suitable for growing crops, or feed for livestock.

In these conditions, many animals die and farmers cannot supply
the fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products that people need.

A drought puts the natural bush and wetland habitats of many
species of wildlife at risk. Some species, including fish and frogs,
have difficulty adapting to drought conditions and may become extinct.

Droughts are harmful to people, animals and the land because
water supplies are essential for survival.