Catastrophic drought hit the Yangtze River basin

Catastrophic drought hit China'sYangtze River basin. From January to May an average 40-60 percent less rain fall in the region. 80 percent of the Chinese water resources can be found in the Yangtze region.

The region contributes to the Chinese GDP with 25 percent. Most part of the country's cotton, rice and soybeans production, as well as freshwater fishes comes from here. The drough affects 34 million people, especially agricultural workers. In recent years, increasing water shortages developed in China. This is not only because of the more frequent drought, but the rapid industrialization and urban growth as well – reports Világgazdaság Online.