NE China drought leaves 330,000 thirsty

Drought in northeast China's Liaoning Province has caused drinking water problems for nearly 330,000 people and 82,000 head of livestock, said authorities Thursday.

The worst drought since 1951 has also affected 28 million mu (1.8 million hectares) of crops, 56 reservoirs and 427 rivers, said the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters.

Liaoning received only 102mm of rain from July 1 to Aug. 17, 60 percent less than normal. The dry and hot weather will continue through late August.

Artificial rain has failed to relieve the situation.

"We have more than ten mu of crops. I am afraid the planting costs will not be earned," said Dong Yuxia, a farmer in Sijiazi Village, Kazuo County.

Feng Lichen, a grain expert, said the current drought has a limited impact on crops, especially corn, but a lingering drought through the autumn will have a greater impact in affected areas.

Liaoning has mobilized more than two million people and invested 527 million yuan (85 million U.S. dollars) to fight the drought.

Severe drought has also hit other Chinese provinces such as Henan, Jilin, Inner Mongolia and Hubei this summer.