Severe drought affects crops and drinking water in east China

A severe drought is plaguing Anhui Province in east China, damaging crops and disrupting drinking water supplies in some of the worst-hit regions, local authorities reported on Friday, November 1, 2019.

From August 12 to October 28, the province only received an average rainfall of around 84 mm (3.3 inches) – 60% less than the amount in normal years.

According to the provincial meteorological department, this record was also the lowest level since 1961.

A total of 45 cities and counties have been devastated. The provincial emergency department reported that some regions in three cities along the Yangtze River are already suffering from the worst drought in 50 years.

More than 1 million residents have been affected. Furthermore, at least 400 000 ha (988 421 acres) of crops have been ravaged, resulting in a direct economic loss of about 1.6 billion yuan (227 million dollars).

The meteorological authority has resorted to using cloud seeding to produce artificial rain as no downpour is forecasted in the following weeks in most areas of Anhui Province.

The water resources department has urged authorities to discuss plans to ensure the supply of drinking water not only for residents but also for livestock.

In September, it was reported that the Mekong River, the world's 12^th longest river which flows from China to Vietnam, has dropped to its lowest level in 100 years due to extreme drought.

Featured image credit: @intographics/Pixabay