91.   Drought conditions also persist in the central and western Carolinas.

92.   Drought conditions in South Africa helped support prices.

93.   Drought conditions prevailed over most of Indonesia for months.

94.   For example, vitamin A deficiency frequently becomes more common in drought conditions, increasing the risk of infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

95.   Hardest hit by severe drought conditions were Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

96.   In the Midwest, extreme drought conditions are predicted for Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Indiana and Illinois.

97.   Indonesian gold miner Aurora Gold has maintained output at its Mount Muro gold and silver mine in Kalimantan despite the effects of smoke haze and drought conditions.

98.   Kelly noted that frequent rains since November have brought an end to drought conditions in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

99.   Kelly said frequent rains since November have ended drought conditions in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

100.   Latest information suggested drought conditions in some areas were more severe than previously thought.