An underwater drain led to a fall of the water level and to a further severe decrease of the number of grebes.

Of those, 88 percent reported a "severe decrease" in business during the last quarter.

The survey said that 69 percent of the merchants reported a severe decrease in business in the fourth quarter, and 28 percent a modest decline.

There was also a severe decrease in rainfall with the land developing cracks, like in a drought.

The distinction is highly significant in dollar terms because changes in technology often lead to severe decreases in the value of equipment over time.

But a rapid or severe decrease in performance or libido can be a red flag.

Disease (especially smallpox) became rampant, and resulted in a severe decrease of the Sechelt population at their various traditional settlements.

Often this leads to an irregular heartbeat - called an arrhythmia - that causes a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart.

Using certain medications together with dihydroergotamine can cause severe decreases in blood flow and lead to dangerous side effects.

A severe decrease in blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body can lead to dangerous side effects.