Assessing drought impacts and vulnerabilities for long-term planning and mitigation programs
National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) guidance on impact and vulnerability assessments is found in the Center’s “risk assessment and management” planning model (Knutson et al. 1998, Wilhite 2000, Wilhite 2001, Hayes et al. 2004). Drought risk is assessed through “an analysis of vulnerability to understand what people and sectors may be most affected by drought, why these impacts occur, and if these relationships are changing over time” (Hayes et al. 2004, pp. 107-108). Results of impact and vulnerability assessments are then used to guide pre-drought planning and mitigation programs that diminish the risk of future drought impacts, and in turn lessen the burden placed on response-oriented management.