Prolonged drought hits Yangtze River valley

Hundreds of lakes and rivers along the Yangtze River have dried up due to a severe and prolonged drought, according to the local drought relief headquarters. Figures released by the Hubei Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Friday showed that 900 reservoirs and 132 rivers have been affected by the drought, causing one-third of the province's farmland to dry up. Hubei Province, located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, is known as the "province of a thousand lakes" for its abundant water resources. The provincial meteorological station said the drought will last for another week, adding that this will likely increase the amount of farmland affected by the heat. Wang Zhongfa, deputy head of the drought relief headquarters, urged local authorities to save enough water for three months of residential use. The Yangtze River Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said on Thursday that the drought is widespread and has hit the provinces of Hunan and Guizhou, as well as Chongqing Municipality, in addition to Hubei. Local authorities have prioritized water use for local residents and livestock. The Yangtze River valley is a major rice-producing area. The drought will likely affect agricultural production and lead to a decrease in rice output, according to an analysis by the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and local meteorological and agricultural departments.