Drought Affecting Life and Industry in ChinaThe long drought in China this year is damaging lives and industry.Drought has afflicted two-thirds of all China's provinces, reducing the country's summer grain output by 11 million tonnes. The autumn grain output is also likely to be far below normal in north China, where drought continues to take a toll on crops. Forestry and animal husbandry have also been negatively affected. In some drought-stricken areas, forestation has slowed as newly planted trees are dying. More than 600,000 domesticated animals have died owing to a lack of drinking water. In some cities in north China, water table levels have dropped drastically. Shortages of drinking water and water for industrial use have become huge problems. |
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