Multi-index evaluation of drought conditions in Northeastern Algeria using remote sensing tool

Drought is a complex natural disaster with profound impacts on environmental, social, and economic systems globally. This research investigates drought conditions in the Koudiet Mdaouar Basin, located in northeastern Algeria, through a comprehensive analysis of satellite-derived indicators from 2019 to 2023. Employing advanced remote sensing and GIS-based methodological approaches, the study systematically evaluates vegetation health, thermal stress patterns, and water resource dynamics, with particular focus on the Koudiet Mdaouar reservoir region. The analysis reveals a significant progressive decline in ecological conditions, characterized by deteriorating vegetation cover, intensified thermal stress, and severe water scarcity. These findings not only highlight the region's environmental vulnerability but also demonstrate the intricate interplay between climatic changes and local ecosystem dynamics. The research emphasizes the necessity of developing adaptive water resource policies and underscores the potential of integrated satellite and ground-based observation techniques for more precise local drought assessments, offering critical insights for environmental management and climate resilience strategies.