China drought worst in 20 years

03 September 1997

China drought worst in 20 years

CHINA is preparing itself for a potential disaster after the worst drought in
two decades, which is threatening its autumn harvest.

The State Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Water Resources
have urged provincial governments to prepare for “an extremely long period of
difficulties”.

Chinese officials said anti-drought measures had saved six million tons of
crops and 360,000 tons of fruit.