ABSTRACT
Drought is a complex natural hazard, and the impacts associated with it are the result of numerous climatic factors and a wide range of societal factors that define the level of societal resilience. A national drought policy should establish a clear set of principles or operating guidelines to govern the management of drought and its impacts. A national drought policy can be a standalone policy or a subset of a natural disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, integrated water resources, or climate change adaptation plan that may already exist. Drought is a normal part of the climate for virtually all portions of the United States; it is a recurring, inevitable feature of climate that results in serious economic, environmental, and social impacts. A post-drought evaluation or audit documents and analyses the assessment and response actions of government, nongovernmental organizations, and others, and provides for a mechanism for implementing recommendations for improving the system.
