Is a drought a hazard or disaster?

A drought is typically considered a hazard rather than a disaster. It refers to an extended period of deficient rainfall relative to the statistical multi-year average for a region, leading to water shortages. However, when the impacts of a drought, such as crop failure, water scarcity, and economic loss, significantly affect communities or ecosystems, it can escalate into a disaster. Thus, a drought can serve as a precursor to a disaster depending on its severity and the vulnerability of the affected populations.