Kathmandu. From 1875 to 1878, there was a severe famine in many parts of the world due to lack of rain. Drought destroyed crops in various countries of the world and created food shortages. Millions of people died during this period.
According to some historical estimates, the death toll may have exceeded 50 million. There were many factors behind this crisis. These included the powerful El Niño of 1877-78.
At that time, the food shortage was so severe that people had to eat tree roots and other food to feed themselves. In many areas, people had to leave their homes and migrate for food. This event shows how climate change can have a significant impact on agriculture and people’s lives.
How did the famine start?
This famine started around 1875. The low rainfall severely affected agriculture. There was also a drought in many parts of China and Africa. From 1876 to 1878, crops were destroyed in many areas due to lack of rain. Crops did not grow in the fields. Due to which it became difficult for people to find food.
According to a scientific study, about 12.2 million to 2.93 crore people died in India during this famine and about 1 crore 95 lakh to 3 crore people died in China. Brazil is also estimated to have lost about 20 lakh people. These figures are based on historical records. Therefore, the number of deaths may vary according to the study.
How did El Niño exacerbate the crisis?
El Niño is a condition in which the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean rises above normal. It affects the weather in many parts of the world. It can reduce rainfall in some areas. While it can increase rainfall and flooding in others.
El Niño was very strong in 1877-78. During that time, there were also weather changes in the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. These changes played a role in worsening the drought situation in many areas. However, weather data at that time was scarce compared to today. This made it difficult for scientists to fully understand the climate of that period.
Famine was not only a factor, food scarcity was also a factor{
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The failure of the crop led to a shortage of food. This made it difficult for poor families to buy food. Those who earned their livelihood from farming had neither work nor money to buy food. Moreover, food and other necessary assistance could not reach the people on time.
In many places, water and grain storage systems were also weak. These factors aggravated the situation. This means that drought not only led to death, but also food shortages and lack of timely support exacerbated the crisis.
How can such a disaster be avoided?
Today, satellites and computers are used to predict the weather. Scientists monitor changes in ocean temperature and precipitation. This helps in predicting events like El Niño. Based on this information, governments can make advance arrangements for water and food in drought-prone areas. It is also important to educate farmers about crops that can be grown with less water. In addition, it is important to maintain food stocks and provide timely assistance to those in need.
The famine of the 1870s showed that climate change could destroy crops and create food shortages. El Niño cannot be prevented, but its damage can be minimized with the right information and timely preparation. This requires providing water and food and providing assistance to those affected by drought. -Agency
