Droughts by Country 2026

A drought occurs when a location gets below-average precipitation for a long enough period to disrupt water and food supply. A drought is a natural hazard that can cause long-term problems like loss of livelihood, loss of plant and animal life, and economic losses. Droughts can cause national security hazards, human migration and loss of human life. Some droughts can go on for months or even years.

Which Countries Have the Highest Drought Risk Score?

The drought risk score is an index that determines a country’s risk from drought. These risks are measured based on a country’s susceptibility to socioeconomic effects and agricultural losses. The less prepared or able to withstand the effects of a drought, the higher their risk score becomes.

Most of the countries that have the highest drought risk score are in Africa, although Afghanistan is in Southern Asia. The top nine countries on the drought risk score index are as follows:

Which Country Is the Most Drought-Stricken?

Currently, Ethiopia is the most drought-stricken country in the world. This country is located in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia is experiencing the longest and most severe drought ever recorded. Right now, there are more than ten million people in Ethiopia who are in need of assistance due to the effects of drought. Many of these people are dependent upon government and humanitarian agencies for survival.

This drought is exacerbated by climate conditions like the strong 2023 El Nino. This has caused harvest failures and widespread deaths of livestock. Many people who live in Ethiopia depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood and survival.

It’s important to note that Ethiopia is not in the top nine countries on the drought risk score, because this score is not a score of countries currently in drought. The score measures the risk a drought poses based on a country’s susceptibility to socioeconomic effects and agricultural losses.

Health Impacts of Drought

In addition to the economic and environmental impacts that a drought causes, drought can also cause health impacts that can lead to human deaths due to nutrition deficiencies and even starvation. In countries where a strong welfare network is not in place, more help is required from humanitarian organizations to prevent widespread deaths.