– Finally, some relief for Australia.
———— ————– —————
Heavy rains have been falling in south-eastern Australia, bringing welcome relief for the region’s drought-stricken farmers.
Some areas recorded their best rainfall in years, but farmers warned that much more was needed to end the six-year drought – Australia’s worst on record.
The rains, which began on Thursday, have raised hopes for a successful winter harvest in the region.
PM John Howard warned last month of an irrigation ban if rains did not come.
Rains have so far bypassed most of South Australia and the Murray-Darling river system, the country’s main agricultural system.
Water storage in the basin was only at 6% capacity, local officials said.
The basin, which covers an area the size of France and Spain combined, accounts for 41% of Australian agriculture and usually provides about 85% of the nation’s irrigation supply.
More… ➡