A drought is an extended period of unusually dry weather with no rain or less precipitation. The intensity of dry periods is increasing. From North America to South America, from Asia to Africa and in Europe drought is a costly weather-related disaster. Droughts bring in a drastic and long-term impact on local communities, including damage to crops and a shortage of drinking water. These effects can lead to devastating economic and social disasters, such as famine, forced migration away from drought-stricken areas, and conflict over remaining resources.