As central and northern China grapple with an intense drought, the Chinese mainland is taking decisive action to mitigate the impact on its people and agriculture. The National Meteorological Center has issued a yellow alert for high temperatures for the 10th consecutive day, highlighting the severity of the heatwave affecting provinces such as Henan, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Shandong.
The scorching temperatures have led to record-breaking daily highs at 16 national weather stations, exacerbating the drought conditions. In response, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has maintained a Level-IV emergency response, the lowest in a four-tier system, signaling ongoing efforts to combat the situation.
In Shandong province, where precipitation has plummeted by 87.8 percent compared to the same period in previous years, authorities are ensuring that water supply for residential use and livestock remains stable. As the wheat harvest approaches completion, measures have been implemented to guarantee agricultural irrigation, safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers.
The Yimeng Mountain area in central Shandong is among the worst-hit regions. The lack of effective rainfall since spring, coupled with extreme summer heat, has strained local water resources. To address this, a cascade water supply plan utilizing large, medium, and small reservoirs has been adopted. Farmers are being guided to employ water-saving techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.
In Linyi City, which administers the Yimeng Mountain area, the wheat harvest on approximately 2,927 square kilometers of fields was completed by June 11. Despite the challenges posed by the drought, the successful harvest underscores the resilience of the agricultural sector amid adverse conditions.
The concerted efforts by local and national authorities reflect a commitment to mitigating the drought’s impact and supporting affected communities. As climate patterns continue to present challenges, the Chinese mainland’s proactive measures aim to protect both its population and the vital agricultural industry.
Reference(s):
China takes action as drought hits central and northern regions
cgtn.com
