A severe drought in southwestern China's Yunnan province has resulted in huge losses in agricultural production and disruption to the daily life of local residents. From 19 to 22 May, the Provincial Meteorological Office carried out operations to artificially induce precipitation in the air and from the ground in areas where conditions allowed. Such efforts will continue in the coming days.
Data from the China Meteorological Department show that from April 1 to May 17, Yunnan averaged 35.3 millimeters of rainfall, about 63 percent less than the same period in previous years, hitting a record low since 1961. Meanwhile, the province's average temperature was about 1.9 degrees Celsius higher - a record high since 1961.
Extreme weather has hit most of the province. The National Commission for Disaster Risk Reduction said a preliminary study shows more than 1.16 million people from 36 cities were affected by the disaster. Large areas of agricultural crops, including rice, corn, potatoes, rubber, tobacco and various vegetables, have largely dried up.
In total, direct economic losses are approaching $ 138.8 million, the commission said.
Yuanjiang County in Yuxi City is one of the worst hit areas as it has experienced intense heat since mid-May. On May 19 and 20, the temperature there exceeded 44 degrees Celsius. For agricultural land where crops have been destroyed, the local agriculture department is instructing residents to replant some other crops such as soybeans and oilseeds as substitutes.
Zhikun in Honghe Hani Autonomous Prefecture is a tobacco-growing city. To prevent the extinction of cash crops, local authorities purchased irrigation equipment.
In Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination, kindergarten classes have been suspended in recent days to protect children from heat-related health risks.
Relevant authorities are also taking steps to alleviate the ongoing dire drought.
Promotional video:
From 19 to 22 May, the Provincial Meteorological Office carried out operations to artificially induce precipitation from the air and from the ground in areas where conditions allowed. Such efforts will continue in the coming days.
Since the beginning of May, firefighters have been campaigning to deliver 6,000 tons of water to areas in greatest need.
Geoengineering, drought and food crisis … This is a very dark and ominous future.