Droughts happen when there is less rain than expected. This also means there is a shortage of water and not enough to meet the needs of people, plants and animals. However, droughts are a usual part of the climate and they can happen in most parts of the Earth.
Did some of you define droughts as there being no rain?
A lot of people think the same as you, but it is a bit more complicated than that.
1982-1983
This drought was short and it was caused by a very strong El Niño event. About half of Australia had very low rainfall levels. Eastern and central Australia were most affected. The bush became very dry so this drought contributed to the bushfires in 1983 called Ash Wednesday.
1991-1995
Queensland experienced exceptionally low rainfall levels. About 40% of the state was declared to be in drought. Many farmers lost their crops and livestock. Unemployment became a problem as people in rural areas lost their jobs.
1996-2010
The most recent drought was know as the Millennium Drought. It lasted almost 14 long years. The Murray-Darling Basin and much of southern Australia was affected by this drought. Many towns and cities had to introduce water restrictions. People used about 35% less water in their homes during the drought.
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