Drought worsens in northeast China

Drought has worsened in northeast China since June and is expected to last through August, according to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Wednesday.

Liaoning, Jilin and Inner Mongolia had 44.26 million mu (2.95 million hectares) of thirsty crops on Wednesday, about 60 percent of the country's total drought-hit cropland, according to the headquarters.

Drought will persist in northeast China as there will be relatively less rain there this month.

Drought has affected 2.34 million people, 2.53 million head of livestock and 75 million mu of farmland in 12 provinces and regions, but has caused less serious damages than in previous years, as an average of 10 million people and 7 million head of livestock were hit in previous years.