Comparison of univariate and multivariate drought indices based on satellite data for hydrological drought monitoring in the Southern ARA, Mozambique

Drought is a natural phenomenon that affects socio-economic and environmental systems, so monitoring it is crucial to minimize its impacts. In Mozambique, in southern Africa, 70% of the population depends on agriculture for subsistence, and water for this activity is mostly extracted directly from rivers. In this paper we have compared several univariate and multivariate drought indices calculated with variables from satellite databases to define one that best fits the hydrological drought conditions in the watersheds of the Southern ARA of Mozambique. The hydrological conditions were defined using the Standardized Runoff Index 3-month cumulative (SRI-3). Using cross-correlations and linear and non-linear regression models, it was found that the Standardized Precipitation Index 3-month cumulative (SPI-3) could be used to monitor hydrological droughts in this region in (near) real time.