Drought threatens Chile
Farmers in Chile's central region say they face the risk of a serious drought this year.
The lack of rain and runoff from melted snow threatens crops in the fertile Aconcagua Valley, reports the Santiago Times.
Nearly 90 percent of the valley's crop are fruit crops, and 70 percent of those are avocado trees, which already suffered heavy losses due to the unusually cold temperatures this winter.
Photos: Wacky weather hits South America
The president of the Farmer’s Association of Quillota, Santiago Matta, said farmers had asked officials to declare a water shortage.
The farmers are predicted to lose $200 million, reports the Santiago Times.
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