The Chinese government's anti-drought efforts have eased the drinking water shortages in the drought-hit areas and the drought is not severe enough to warrant the relocation of residents, an official with the Water Resources Ministry said Wednesday.

Liu Ning, the ministry's vice minister, told reporters the central and local governments have taken a raft of measures to counter the drought, including the rushing of drinking water to the region, the digging of wells and the offering subsidies and funds.

The measures have ensured drinking water for the 24.25 million drought-affected residents, especially the 19.39 million in the worst-hit southwest regions, he said.

The government will not relocate drought-affected residents, as such a move will only be made when conditions are extreme, water resources are exhausted and the drought intensifies, he said.

Even if there is no rain by May, residents will not be relocated, he said, adding that the rainy season will start in the southwestern region in May.