China is suffering sustained drought as over 10 million people
have been facing drinking water shortage since mid-April, the State
Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said in Beijing
Sunday.
A total of 16.6 million hectares of cropland have been struck by
severe drought in most parts of northern China regions and southern
Yunnan Province, the headquarters said.
Meanwhile, 7.88 million heads of livestock have also suffered
from the shortage of drinking water, it said.
The headquarters has ordered local governments to take strong
and effective measures for drought relief.
The Finance Ministry has earmarked 100 million yuan (US$12.5
million) of special funds for drought-stricken areas to fight the
disaster.
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2006)
