Chile announces unprecedented water rationing plan as drought enters 13th year

FILE PHOTO: A drop of water is seen falling on a planting in a farm in Casablanca, on the outskirts of Valparaiso, Chile September 16, 2019. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - As a punishing, record-breaking drought enters its 13th year, Chile on Monday announced an unprecedented plan to ration water for the capital of Santiago, a city of nearly 6 million.

"A city can't live without water," Claudio Orrego, the governor of the Santiago metropolitan region, said in a press conference. "And we're in an unprecedented situation in Santiago's 491-year history where we have to prepare for there to not be enough water for everyone who lives here."