Authorities in Guyana are pumping water from flooded coastal villages following heavy rains during what is usually one of the driest months of the year.

Officials say about 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain fell in a 24-hour period this week. That's more than the South American nation normally sees in the entire month of February.

Rice farmers fear they may have lost their crops in the middle of harvest season.

Guyana is the region's largest rice producer.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said Saturday he was sending drainage equipment to hard-hit areas.

Authorities blame the rains on the weather phenomenon known as La Nina. The wet weather is expected to continue into March.

Source: The Associated Press