Publication Date May 30, 2016 | Reuters

South Africa drought persists despite May rainfall

South Africa
Lake St Lucia is almost completely dry due to drought conditions in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, northeast of Durban, South Africa February 25, 2016. Photo: Rogan Ward, Reuters
Lake St Lucia is almost completely dry due to drought conditions in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, northeast of Durban, South Africa February 25, 2016. Photo: Rogan Ward, Reuters

South Africa's is still suffering the effects of a drought despite increased rainfall in May, leaving dam water levels low and crop supplies scant, the agricultural ministry said on Monday.

The persistence of a severe drought across southern Africa will result in widening cereal deficits due to crop failures, the department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in a statement