China says drought threatens 14 million

Drought is threatening drinking water for 14 million people in northern China, the government said today, prompting a call for authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure supplies.

Even the capital Beijing could face shortages following seven years during which annual rainfall averaged just 70 per cent of usual, the official Xinhua News Agency said. About 40 million acres of farmland – more than 12 per cent of the nation’s total – was stricken by drought, said State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters executive director Zhang Zhitong.