Cattle dying  as Azuero  drought continues

At least  20 cattle have died in the  Macaracas district, of Los Santos, due to lack of water and grass, a product of the drought that is striking the Azuero region. Streams are dry and about five rivers in the area are exhausted.  

Luis Rodriguez, an affected farmer, commented that in his farm “several animals have died that reach the few springs and lagoons to drink water, get stuck in the mud and cannot leave”. 

 Henry Domínguez, another producer, said that, given the scarcity of fodder, the cost of the bale has increased from two dollars and 50 cents to five dollars. Farmer Israel Alonso said that the intense heat and strong winds have dried up the pastures and evaporated the little water in the gorges, springs and lagoons.  

Marcelino Escobar, reported that summer crops such as tomatoes, chili, watermelon and melon “are running out of water