Spain Suffered Worst Winter Drought on Record
SPAIN: May 2, 2005


MADRID - Spain has suffered its driest winter and early spring since records began almost 60 years ago, data from meteorologists showed on Friday.

 


Rainfall from November to the end of March this year was 37 percent below the average for the period and the lowest since records started in 1947, the National Meteorological Office said.

With water reserves in Spain at just 60 percent of full capacity, farmers fearing water rationing say they are planting fewer crops.

Neighbouring Portugal is suffering its worst drought for 25 years and authorities there have imposed irrigation restrictions in the south, a popular tourist destination.

 


REUTERS NEWS SERVICE