Vice Premier urges intensified anti-drought efforts

KUNMING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has called for intensified efforts to battle droughts and ensure livelihoods in south China's drought-plagued Yunnan province.

Local governments must make every effort to ensure water supplies for daily use and agricultural production, Hui said during an inspection tour of the province from Tuesday to Thursday. Full story

China allocates 120 mln yuan to drought-hit SW province

BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese central government Wednesday allocated 120 million yuan (19 million U.S. dollars) to drought-stricken areas in southwestern Yunnan province.

The relief funds, jointly arranged by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA), will be dedicated to secure basic supply of food and drinking water, according to a statement issued by the MCA. Full story

Millions thirst in Yunnan drought

KUNMING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- A drought in Yunnan Province has left 3.19 million people and 1.58 million livestock short of drinking water, the provincial government said Monday.

Some plants had to halt production due to water shortage, costing rough losses of 10 billion yuan (1.6 million U.S. dollars), vice governor Kong Chuizhu said. Full story

Severe drought poses fire risks in SW China province

KUNMING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Forest safety authorities in southwest China's Yunnan province said Tuesday that the heavily forested province is facing serious fire prevention challenges due to lingering drought. Full story