The severe drought in southwestern China is persisting, worsening the situation for tens of millions of people short of drinking water. Experts say recent rainfalls in the region is far from adequate.

According to the latest statistics released by the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief, the situation remains "grave".

Several showers have been recorded in southwest China since April, but the total rainfall is minor and distributed unevenly. Most of the regions hit by severe drought received less than 10 millimeters.

Dushan is one of the most water-deficient counties in Guizhou province. Since the end of March, the county has adopted a mechanism of supplying water every four days. Nearly sixty thousand local residents are faced with a water shortage.

Governments have taken various emergency measures to assure the water supply in cities and townships.

In the town of Shanyang in Yongping county of Yunan province, a hydrological team from Hubei province successfully dug an artesian well with a satisfactory yield. More than 1200 residents now can get adequate water daily.

Local Resident, said, "This water tastes good. I love it! We are so thankful. The quality of the water is also very high."

As of Thursday, drought had affected nearly 21 million people and 14 million livestock, as well as 8 million hectares of arable land in southwest China.