Guyana government rushing water to indigenous communities whose wells, crops hit by dry spell

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Officials in the South American country of Guyana are rushing water to parched areas as indigenous communities struggle with dry wells and withered crops.

The administration of President David Granger said Wednesday that it has sent a team to the sprawling southwestern Rupununi region to coordinate relief efforts.

The region where the indigenous Macushi and Patamona people live has been hit hard by a dry spell that began in August. Forecasters have said dry conditions will continue until at least mid-November.

Officials say the drought also has dried up parts of the Takutu River and prevented fish from spawning, raising concerns about upcoming food shortages.

Many parts of the Caribbean are struggling through one of the region's worst droughts in recent history.