NAGAPATTINAM, India - The worst drought in more than a century in southern India has led to protests, farmer suicides and violence at water taps as reservoirs and lakes dry up in the searing heat.

It has also led to an unusual crowdfunding campaign that helped restore a village pond in one of the worst affected areas, with a similar effort planned for a second pond.

The effort, led by The Better India website, raised more than 1.1 million rupees ($17,000) on crowdfunding site Milaap.