N China province suffers worst drought in 63 years (3/5)

Corn stalks dry up due to lingering drought in Zhizhushan Village of Fuxin Mongolian Autonomous County, northeast China's Liaoning province, Aug 12, 2014. Liaoning province is suffering the harshest drought in 63 years with its precipitation since July hit a record low since meteorological records began in 1951. The drought may be caused by the weather anomaly known as El Nino, which usually triggers drought in northern China while bringing more rains to southern China. Liaoning has raised its emergency response level to the third-highest in a bid to reduce the drought's impact. Local meteorologists said they are prepared to fire artificial rain-making rockets to force rainfall if conditions are suitable. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)