Officials are warning the lingering drought in central and northern China is affecting approximately 5 million hectares of crops across the region.
Su Qingpeng is with the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.
"There are 12 provinces and autonomous regions that have been severely hit. Some 1.6 million people, especially those in remote areas, are having difficulty obtaining drinking water."
The central province of Henan is experiencing its worst drought in decades, with rainfall less than half the normal levels.
Some 900-thousand hectares of crops have been damaged in that province.
Henan is a big producer of soybeans, barley and rice.
To try to cope with the drought, local governments have begun water rationing for certian industries.
