And Dengue rates are highest in Orange Walk and that is partially because of the northern drought - which has forced water storage in drums - perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
And that is only one negative effect of the drought. Corn farmers in the Village of Blue Creek are feeling the effects of the very dry weather. Reports say that 6 farmers have cumulatively lost over half a million dollars in revenue and investment because of the lack of rain.
One farmer told us today that the corn farming population in that village has dwindled over the years from 40 to only 7 or 8 now. They planted this year's crop several months ago, expecting to harvest around this time. But, they had to make the hard choice to cut down 1,250 acres of corn, valued at $600,000.
About 2 weeks ago, the farmers started realizing that the crop was in danger of drying out completely. So, before the heat completely destroyed the corn, the farmers harvested it. They are now using this drought-affected crop as cattle feed, in an effort to salvage some value out of it. We're told that drought has caused the usual cattle pastures to also dry out. And so, this lost corn will allow the farmers to keep their cattle fed for the short term.
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