Read at : Googele Alert - drought

http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/14/central-chile-in-grip-of-severe-drought/

April 14th, 2008

Central Chile in grip of severe drought

From CNN’s Alberto Pando

CASABLANCA, Chile (CNN) — A severe winter drought that has wrung dry much of central Chile could have grave consequences for about a million small farmers, affecting the price of food and the availability of energy. More than two-thirds of Chile’s provinces have been declared emergency agricultural zones and the vast majority of the lakes and ponds are dry or nearly dry. Government authorities have promised $50 million in aid, and more if needed, said Marigen Hornkohl, minister of agriculture, who noted that agricultural exports are key to Chile’s economy.