Over 10 million people in China, which is suffering a sustained drought, have been facing drinking water shortages since mid-April, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said Sunday.

A total of 16.6 million hectares of cropland have been affected by the drought which has been felt in most parts of northern China regions and southern Yunnan Province, the headquarters said.

And 7.88 million farm animals are also suffering because of the water shortage, it said.

The headquarters has ordered local governments to take strong and effective measures for drought relief.

The Finance Ministry has earmarked 100 million yuan (US$12.5 million) of special funding for drought-stricken areas. 

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2006)