Weather officials prepare to 'bomb clouds' as dry conditions continue

BEIJING - The drought that has struck five provinces in Southwest China has become increasingly worse, leaving at least 11 million people short of water and endangering crop yields of at least 3.8 million hectares, authorities have warned.

Guaranteeing the supply of drinking water will be the highest priority for drought relief efforts in Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan, as the drought is expected to last until mid-March, the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said on Tuesday.