Action taken to counter drought
Government looks for solutions as less rain and extreme heat threaten farming, power supply in southern China
The central government has increased measures to reduce the impact of the continued drought and the prolonged heat waves that ravaged southern China this summer, enacting steps to bolster irrigation, ensure the supply of drinking water and divert more energy to regions affected by power shortages.
The heat waves that struck the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River since June 13 are the most powerful since 1961, when China first established a complete meteorological records system, according to the National Climate Center.
The lingering heat led to droughts that threaten rice production in southern China and the availability of tap water in rural areas.
