Drought fuels 'water wars' in Brazil
Severe drought gripping northeastern Brazil--the worst in a half-century--is taking its toll on more than 1,100 towns, even triggering fighting in rural areas, local media reported Sunday.
An average of one person a day is being killed in "water wars" in rural areas, while scores of animals are wasting away before perishing, the O Globo newspaper reported over the weeekend.
Short water supplies have devastated farm output, the report said, endangering the lives of local people and their livestock.
Local dams in the region are running dry, and abuses are rife. In one cited example, water truck drivers make deliveries--but only if customers promise to vote for certain local candidates.
http://www.agriculture.com/news/crops/drought-fuels-water-wars-in-brazil_2-ar24112