Society

Inner Mongolia hit by severe drought

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-07-01 17:44

Drought-hit grassland is seen in Sonid Right banner of Xilin Gol league in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, June 28, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

A severe drought caused by an unseasonal lack of rain since winter last year is effecting more than 25.9 million mu (17,300 square kilometers) in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

About 800,000 people and 2.86 million livestock are having difficulties obtaining drinking water as 197 reservoirs have dried up. Only 1.27 billion cubic meters of water remains in storage in the region’s reservoirs.

In addition, the drought has caused the death of many sheep and goats as there is a lack of proper grass for them to feed on.