Dozens of hectares of crops, primarily maize and beans, were lost due to the prolonged drought in Guatemala's eastern departments, reports Agriculture and Livestock Minister Carlos Set. “We have serious problems from the lack of rain, which has lasted longer than expected, hurting Chiquimula, Jutiapa, Zacapa and El Progreso,” Set told Tierramérica.

So far, some 35 hectares planted with maize and beans have been lost in Zacapa and Chiquimula. “Emergency plans are in place to provide food to the local communities,” said the minister.

Guatemala's dry season normally begins in August, but this year began in early July. The four departments affected by the drought, home to over a million people, is the most arid region in this country of 11.2 million inhabitants.