Cracked, dry ground is seen where a pond normally stands on the property of Ray Mercer in Crossville, Illinois, U.S., on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Mercer said he had lived on the property over 50 years and this was the second time the pond had dried up. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
Dried, cracked earth lines the banks of Bonpas Creek near Grayville, Illinois, U.S., on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg