A serious drought has hit southeast China's Fujian Province and is spreading to a wider area while the country's Huaihe River valley is facing the worst flood since 1991.

Officials of the provincial flood and drought control headquarters said Friday the acreage of the affected areas, mainly in the province's central and northern parts, has reached 58,240 hectares and 53 reservoirs have dried up, leaving 312,100 people short of drinkable water.

The severe drought has been caused by scarce rainfall and higher temperatures, according to the headquarters.

Rainfall in the province from April to May was 20 percent less than the average figure in the same period in previous years. To date, eight counties have not seen any rainfall for more than 20 continuous days.

In addition, since June 30, in most areas of the province, the temperature has reached or even exceeded 38 degrees Celsius, said the officials.

Local residents have been called on to take part in fighting the drought by saving water.

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2003)