Poor autumn rainfall has caused the worst drought conditions in South China in nearly 50 years, China Radio International reported Thursday. China Meteorological Administration says the situation is most serious in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangdong Province.

Some cities are implementing water restrictions and 3. 7 million people are suffering a temporary shortage of drinking water.

The drought has caused 1.1 billion yuan, or about 120 million US dollars, in direct loss of agriculture.

The central government has provided about 30 million US dollars to help Guangdong and Guangxi fight the drought.

Experts say that the drought will last until at least next spring.