An online helpdesk has been launched to provide guidance to drought-impacted populations around the world.

The World Meteorological Organisation, the Global Water Partnership and a number of other partners created the system for the Integrated Drought Management Programme.

It aims to tackle the problem of water insecurity, which costs roughly $500 billion (£377.4bn) each year and causes the death and displacement of more people than hurricanes, floods and earthquakes combined.

It will do this by allowing stakeholders to contact experts directly and get advice on policy, scientific information and best practices.

The groups behind the scheme suggest halving the negative effects of droughts could lead to per capita GDP growing by a fifth over a period of 30 years in many vulnerable economies.

Oyun Sanjaasuren, Chair of the Global Water Partnership, said: “It is key to get the knowledge and expertise to decision makers and practitioners on the ground and we are always exploring new ways to make drought management more accessible to key stakeholders.”