Persistent efforts in China to fight drought

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-04-2009 12:10

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The Ministry of Agriculture says severe drought has affected more than nine million hectares of wheat in China's major grain producing provinces. Experts predict that no effective rainfall will come to much of northern China over the next ten days. Authorities warn that the situation remains grim and have called for a prolonged fight against the extreme drought.

Very little rain has dropped in much of northern China since  this winter began in November.

Very little rain has dropped in much of northern China since this winter began in November.

Experts say rainfall is between 50 and 90 percent less than the same period last winter.

In some areas, no precipitation of any kind has been recorded for the past 70 days.

Yang Guiming, chief forecaster of Central Meteorologocal Station said, "Cold air has been strong this winter, while warm-humid airflow has been weak. That results in fewer rainy days and therefore drought."