360,000 residents thirsty: E. China  

山东逾千万亩农田重旱 36万人临时性饮水困难

2010年秋冬-2011年春遭遇三季连旱的中国北方省份山东，今年再度面临干旱侵害。截至6月24日的统计显示，已有36.62万人、4.51万头大牲畜出现临时性饮水困难。

Jinan (CNS) -- Shandong Province is again threatened by severe drought, which follows on last year's long-term thirst from autumn 2010 to spring 2011. Some 366,200 people and 45,100 large livestock temporarily lack drinking water, according to Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Wednesday.

The rainfall in Shandong amounts to 100.9 millimeters (mm) so far this year, 43.7 percent fewer than the seasonal average. The single month of May saw 30.6 mm fall, 71.6 percent lower than average.

The central and western parts of Shandong, as well as Weifang, Qingdao and Yantai at the Shandong Peninsula have the most serious drinking water shortages.

From Thursday evening to Friday, precipitation of various strengths will visit the region and relieve the thirst.