Filipino farmers struggle as drought and heatwave hits

San Antonio, Philippines (AFP) April 29, 2024

Filipino farmer Daniel Velasco pumps water from a well in a desperate attempt to save his wilting vegetables, as a scorching heatwave and the worst drought in years hits crops. It has hardly rained on Velasco's plot of gourds and tomatoes since November, as the El Nino weather phenomenon brings drier conditions and baking temperatures. "I'm losing a lot of money," Velasco, 57, told AFP,