China is suffering sustained drought as over 10 million people have been facing drinking water shortage since mid-April, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said in Beijing Sunday.

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

Meanwhile, 7.88 million heads of livestock have also suffered from the shortage of drinking water, 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 funds for drought-stricken areas to fight the disaster.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2006)