Prolonged drought has affected 194,200 people in east China"s Fujian Province, Xinhua quoted a statement from the province"s flood control and drought relief office as saying. The drought has also affected 81,200 hectares of cropland in the province, the statement said. "The province has 500 rocket shells for weather modification ready to launch when weather conditions permit. Another 800 shells are being deployed," the statement said. The province has mobilized 639,900 people, and used 21,596 wells and 1,670 pump stations and other equipments to fight against the drought, the statement said. It said the government"s actions have relieved 155,100 people out of drinking water shortage. An official from the office, who declined to give his name, said no significant natural rainfall is expected very soon and the water level of the province"s reservoirs will continue to drop in the dry season. But he would not comment when the draught is likely to end. --SPA
