Lisbon - Portugal is suffering its driest winter since 1917, the daily Publico reported Wednesday. Since September, it has rained only 48 per cent of what was the average between 1941 and 1998, according to figures given by the Water Institute.
Supplies of drinking water were ensured, but farmers feared stymied crops, according to the daily.
Neighbouring Spain has also been hit by a drought, which affects especially the north-eastern region of Catalonia. The local authorities have prepared a crisis plan including tanker ships to bring water to Barcelona.
