Why are droughts bad?
During drought, there is an increased risk for wildfires and dust storms. Particulate matter suspended in the air from these events can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs. This can make chronic respiratory illnesses worse and increase the risk for respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
What are the problems caused by drought?
Drought can also cause long-term public health problems, including: Shortages of drinking water and poor quality drinking water. Impacts on air quality, sanitation and hygiene, and food and nutrition. More disease, such as West Nile Virus carried by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water.
Are droughts dangerous?
But while often described as a “creeping disaster,” drought leaves a trail of destruction as dangerous and deadly as any other extreme weather event. In fact, drought has affected more people around the world in the past four decades than any other type of natural disaster.
What’s the longest drought in Australia?
The 2000s drought in Australia, also known as the Millennium drought is said by some to be the worst drought recorded since European settlement. This drought affected most of southern Australia, including its largest cities and largest agricultural region (the Murray–Darling basin).
Is Australia running out of water?
Australia’s Water Supply With an average annual rainfall of only 469mm per year, Australia’s water situation is quite dire. The available freshwater in Australia is expected to drop significantly as rainfall patterns change. Additional pressure on water resources is also felt as a result of rapid population growth.
Is Australia water rich or water poor?
Typically this is found in surface water, such as lakes and rivers. Countries with large rivers, such as the Amazon River in Brazil, and those with high rainfall, such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, can be thought of as being ‘water rich’. Other countries, including Australia, can be considered to be ‘water poor’.
Is Australia the driest continent on Earth?
Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world; 70% of it is either arid or semi arid land.