Droughts, floods pound nation

China has been struck by an extreme weather paradox of severe drought in the north and severe flooding in the south, said the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

Floods and mudslides have killed at least 311 people in China this year, and are expected to continue to threaten major rivers in August, the headquarters said on Tuesday.

"Heavy rainfall may trigger severe flooding and mudslides in many major rivers, like the Yellow River and parts of the Yangtze River this month," headquarters spokesman Su Qingpeng said.