Based on historical drought catastrophes records of China in recent 500 years

the major drought cases arc investigated to explore the regularities of drought catastrophes. It is found that a lasting drought over a large range of area would results in a serious catastrophy. For example

a serious catastrophy oc-curcd in Chongzhen year of Ming dynasty

caused a grave shortage of water and grain supply

which resulted in the callaps of economy and the change of regime. In view of the historical fact

we make analysis of current situation of sever drought and prediction of furlure trend. It is suggested in the paper

the emphasis of prevention should be put on those major droughts which have great influence on socity. The disaster reduction measure for serious and the severest droughts should be worked out and deployed as early as possible.