Serious droughts have hit several areas in southern China. Local officials and residents in Guizhou, Guangxi, and Yunnan are trying a number of different measures to brush back the dry spells.

 

This used to be a deep reservoir in Guizhou Province's Shuicheng County. Now, only thin streams remain.

But the local Water Resources Department is taking advantage of the small springs by digging down to a bigger underground well.

Xie Xianggang, Deputy County Governor, said, "This used to be a good source of drinking water. By broadening it, we get 30 times more water every day."

By digging wells, and saving water from power generation, the county has stored up 3 million cubic meters, ensuring that basic drinking needs will be met.

In the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region's Fusui County, this local reservoir is storing only a quarter of the amount of water it held last year.

To ensure necessary conservation, local officials have stopped using water to generate power since last September.

People are making the most of what they have.

Farmers, for example, are covering their land with plastic to reduce evaporation.

In Yunnan Province's Luliang County, another method is being used to fight the drought.

The local government has organized farmers to work in costal areas.

Li Zhanliang, local villager, said, "If I go out to work, I can make 50 yuan per day. That's 15 thousand a year. Much better than farming at home."

Li and his wife were just two among the many farmers ready to go out of the area to work.

With a serious drought ravaging their home, joining the team of migrants seems to be a pretty good way to help their families at this time.