Extreme Weather in Western China - February 2012

[JennyLeez]

Natural calamities are taking a toll on provinces in western China. In the north, people suffer from severe snowstorms, while southwestern areas are coping with prolonged drought.
Cold weather continues to plague the northwestern Xinjiang region of China. Over $900,000 of damage was reported, according to state media. Barns, houses, and livestock have all fell victim to the freezing temperatures.

Meanwhile in the southwestern Yunnan province, some villagers haven’t seen rain since last November. Over six million people are affected by the drought.

[li Yingqi, Yanjiao, Yunnan Province Resident]:
"It's very difficult for our village. If the drought goes on for another two days, we'll have to fetch water from three kilometers (1.86 miles) away and carry it back on our cattle. There's nothing we can do. We don't have a pump to transport water."

State media announced on Wednesday that $19 million has been set aside to assist the areas worst hit by the drought.


New Tang Dynasty Television

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