Two children play in a dried-up pool at Xiniushi Village in Daying County of Suining City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, August 13, 2006. Most areas of Sichuan Province have been suffering from month-long drought and searing heat. Local governments have allocated funds to help residents fight against drought by tapping ground water and improving water conservation facilities.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2006)