Introduction
The Hype

The Impacts
>    environmental
>    economy
>    humanity
>    interactive maps [1] [2] [3] [4]
>    eyewitnesses' interviews
>    positive impacts

Interactive Timeline
La Niņa
Prediction Methods
The Preparation
About the Site
Archives
Search
Learn Anything?
Forum
______________________

USA, Canada, Latin America, & the Carribean

The El Nino of 1972 brought devastating droughts to the Americas. Between January 1972 and April 1972 in Phoenix it was completely rainless. Phoenix reported the driest 4 months on record. Los Angeles was also devoid of rain for several months. This lack of precipitation was exceptionally hard on the farmers. The worst draught in Oklahoma since the 1930s caused a loss of 25% of the wheat crop. Down south was hurt even worse. Nicaragua reported losses of 80% of corn, 35% of beans and rice, and 20% of wheat. These losses of crops hit the consumer hard in 1972. The price of food was extremely high during this year. Many could not afford it and went hungry.


Africa

Africa and many Middle Eastern countries suffered from severe draughts due to the El Nino of 1972. The country of Chad was hit extremely hard. It had its lowest annual rainfall since 1943. However, Chad is an extremely arid country and the rain they receive is crucial to the existence of the people. The Sahelian region intensified; this caused crop failures, livestock deaths, water shortages, and famine. Ethiopia also suffered from these crop losses and livestock deaths. In fact, the country lost 80% of their cattle.
Many Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Israel suffered from this extreme draught. There were many water shortages in urban areas. This caused several outbreaks of epidemics. Many of these diseases effected livestock. Crops also failed due to the lack of rain. The loss of livestock and crops is devastating for both the Middle East and Africa. Some countries could not afford to import food and suffered greatly. Others had to pay high prices for food.

Europe and USSR:

Europe and USSR suffered from the worst drought in centuries. These areas received less than 25% of the normal rainfall in July and August. This heat wave caused people in areas of Northeastern USSR to suffer from fatalities. Also, several forest and peat fires destroyed many crops in this region. The wheat crop was exceptionally hurt during these dry spells. European areas, especially Scotland and eastern parts of Europe, also had extremely low precipitation. There was also a great deal of crop damage in these countries too. The unusually dry seasons crippled the USSR and European economy.

Asia

Asia suffered from by far the greatest amount in the world of fatalities and disruption from the 1972 El Nino. The draughts that occurred at the time of the rainy season destroyed many crops and caused several livestock losses. Over 600 people died in New Delhi along with these livestock and crop losses. These monsoons are necessary for the success of Asian crops. El Nino greatly affected the economies and lives of the people of this area by almost nullifying these monsoons.

Australia and Oceania

The three-year draughts that were affecting Australia and Oceania were worsened by the lack of rain from El Nino. While these countries were already suffering, 1972 was especially harsh. Severe heat waves plagued these areas often causing brushfires. These brushfires killed many people and injured many more. Crops were also damaged severely by the draughts. The small countries of this region were not prepared for the difficulties of the draught and suffered greatly.