Big thirst hits N. China

Shijiazhuang (CNS) -- Climbing temperatures and strong winds have reduced the benefits of any rainfall in north China's Hebei Province, according to the provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Wednesday.

Although it is expected to be temporary, about 180,000 locals are short of drinking water and a total area of 5.32 million mu (about 354.7 hectares) of wheat land is threatened, while 11.4 million mu (760 hectares) of cropland lacks sufficient water.

The thirsty communities are mostly located in Bashang, Yanshan, and northern Taihang Mountains.

Insufficient and partly damaged provincial drought relief projects have almost nothing to do to help ease the regional water shortage. About 1.8 laborers are engaged in exploring for underground resources, and 1,200 pump stations have been set up.

Other temporary solutions such as water pipes and water stations have been brought on stream to increase drinking water supplies.