10 Of The Most Horrible Droughts Ever Recorded

When most people think of a terrible drought, they generally consider periods of dry weather that last just long enough to cause some damage to the local crops and force water shortages on the area. However, these dry conditions can occur for numerous reasons, most of which many people don’t even consider at the time. A lot of times these severe droughts are worse than many let on, unfortunately. Droughts are said to be only second to hurricanes in terms of natural disasters within the United States these days. Here are ten of the most horrible, most severe droughts ever to be recorded.

2014 Spanish Drought

The drought Spain experienced in 2014 was the worst the country had experienced in over 150 years. This drought was so bad that experts believed the country’s water supply would dry out entirely.

1988–89 Droughts in Illinois, USA

The 1988–89 droughts in Illinois, USA were thought to be the most disastrous and destructive in all of history for the US. The drought caused over $60 billion worth of damage, led to numerous wildfires, and thousands lost their lives.

1829 Major Drought in Western Australia

The 1829 Major Drought in Western Australia was considered so extreme that it ended up destroying every piece of agriculture within the area, forcing those who settled there to leave the area for water and new pastures.

Horn of Africa Famine

The Horn of Africa Famine experienced the most deadly drought in the year 1888. It was caused by a significant lack of rainfall during the season. Over one million lost their lives throughout Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia.

2010–11 Texas Drought

During the 2010–11 Texas Drought, the agriculture industry took a massive hit. It was reported that around $5.2 billion worth of crops and livestock were lost due to the record-breaking heat waves and lack of water. Wildfires destroyed homes and killed many.

1983 United States Drought

The 1983 United States Drought occurred in late spring of that year, and involved much of the Midwest and Great Plains regions. Temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit struck the area, killing hundreds and destroying crops in droves.

Deccan Famine of 1630–32

Following crop failures and numerous droughts in India, the Deccan Famine of 1630–32 was considered the worst in the country’s history. Over two million people died during the time period.

Vietnamese Drought of 1944

The Vietnamese Drought of 1944 caused the country’s winter-spring harvest to significantly decrease by around 20 percent in total. The people fought pests, a war, and a flood during the harvesting season.

1850 Severe Drought in Australia

The 1850 Severe Drought in Australia was caused by a significant lack of rain, which brought about countless deaths within the livestock population in New South Wales. It is said to be the most horrific drought of the nineteenth century.

2010 China Drought

In 2010, China suffered one of their worst droughts of all time. A massive swath of the nation was destroyed, including parts of Vietnam and Thailand, too. It is thought to be the worst drought in Southwest Asia of all time.