Shandong Hit by Severe Drought, 2.18 Million People Short of Drinking WaterSources from the meteorological department shows that Shandong is suffering the worst drought of 85 years as it has so far only seen an average rainfall of 25 millimeters, decreasing by over 70 percent as against the same period of years in the past.To this day, 44 million mu (15 mu = 1 hectare) of crops in the province have been struck by drought with 12.18 million mu suffering most and 1.4 million mu already withered away. The drought also brought temporary shortage of drinking water for 2.18 million people and 432.700 heads of livestock while 57 cities and counties are lack of water supply. Some areas haven't seen a drop of rainfall since May. The wheat output is surely to be reduced in the most serious drought-stricken areas. Besides, the seedlings of the spring crops are possibly to die down and the shortage of water supply is to be worsened should there be no rainstorm soon. As reported measures have been urgently taken by the local government to combat the drought so as to ensure the water supply for people and irrigation, thereby minimizing the losses entailed from the drought. By PD Online staff member Deng Gang |
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