The Necessity of Creating a Comprehensive Framework for Drought Risk Management

Drought has been one of the most damaging natural phenomena in the past decades. On the other hand, due to the complex and creeping nature of drought, it is almost impossible to determine a specific start and end time for it. Dry and wet periods are visible and expected in all climates and in all seasons of the year, but sometimes a dry period leads to a drought and it affects humans (in various aspects), therefore, while every dry period cannot mark the onset of drought, it is important to note that not every wet period signifies the end of a drought period. In this study, the concept of drought and dry spell has been clearly expressed and the effect of these phenomena on humans has been discussed. To address the complexities of drought, a ten-step framework for risk management has been developed. This guideline addresses the complexities of this phenomenon and its various aspects, and provides a methodology for drought planning and management.