Dominican Republic to Help Guatemala Face Severe Drought
4 September 2014
Santo Domingo.-
The Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Brazil have offered immediate aid to thousands of Guatemalans affected by drought, after a plea from Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina, who said last week the country could be on the verge of a major food crisis.
According to EFE, Guatemalan vice president Roxana Baldetti is set to meet with representatives from the three Latin American nations on Tuesday. More than 200,000 Guatemalan families have already been affected by food shortages caused by the drought, many in poor rural areas. Baldetti said that figure could soon become 1.2 million.
Since the drought began in July, Guatemala's economy has suffered a major blow. The agricultural sector accounts for over 20 percent of the country's GDP, and is one of the largest employers.
EFE reports that corn and bean production have been most affected. Both products are stables of the Guatemalan diet. The president declared a state of emergency in 22 of Guatemala's provinces in August, amid warnings the drought is the worst in recent years.