ReliefWeb

Drought Situation & EW Phase Classification

Biophysical Indicators

• Rainfall was recorded from the 3rd week of October which was normal onset. However, it discontinued for 4 weeks, an average of 170.7 mm was received in November which was far below the normal range. Status of water sources was still below normal with a slight improvement in rivers due to upstream flow. Disruption of water supply remained frequent in homes and centres with piped water due to rationing occasioned by low volumes in rivers.

• Household water distance and Livestock watering distance from grazing area was below normal and almost the same as of the previous months. The overall vegetation cover across the County declined followed by deterioration in pasture and browse due to slow regeneration caused by prolonged dry spell.

Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)

Production Indicators

• Livestock body condition was poor and deteriorating while food stocks at household levels was below normal and declining.
  Markets operation was normal for both livestock and food commodities but the situation is likely to deteriorate due to high food commodity prices and low livestock prices.

Access Indicators

• Household water distance was above normal due to below normal status of water sources. Milk production and consumption was low and below the normal range.

Utilization Indicators

• Following all the prevailing conditions, the overall drought phase in November was at alarm and the condition was worsening.