The order of the fasts mentioned above [applies only] if the first rain [was withheld]. However, if plants changed [abnormally], we sound the shofar at once because of them; similarly, if rains were interrupted between one rain and the next for forty days, we sound [the shofar] at once because this represents a calamity of food shortage.

If [suitable rain] fell for crops, but did not fall for trees; [or] for trees, but not for crops; for both, but not for [the filling of] waterholes, ditches, and caves —- we sound [the shofar] at once.

Similarly, if no rains fell on a particular city —- as is stated: I caused it to rain on one city and on one city I caused no rains to fall; one field was rained upon ... —- that city must fast and sound [the shofar], and all surrounding areas fast, but do not sound [the shofar]. R' Akiva says: They sound [the shofar] but do not fast.

Similarly, a city in which there is pestilence or collapse [of buildings], that city must fast and sound [the shofar], and all surrounding areas fast but do not sound [the shofar]. R' Akiva says: They sound [the shofar] but do not fast. What is considered pestilence? [In] a city that can bring forth five hundred [men] on foot, [if] three [men] died on three successive days, it is considered pestilence. Fewer than this is not considered pestilence.