More than three million people have been affected by a drought that has been worsening in most areas of central China's Hubei Province since mid-July.

According to the provincial headquarters for flood control and drought relief, high temperatures have been hovering over the province since July 22. Less rainfall, high evaporation and increasing consumption of water have aggravated the drought.

By August 8, the drought had damaged crops on 1.26 million hectares of farmland.

In addition, over 1000 rivers across and 67 small reservoirs dried up, leaving 976,000 people and 649,000 heads of livestock difficulty in getting access to drinking water.

The governments of the affected areas have appropriated a totalof 149 million yuan (about 17.95 million US dollars) for anti-drought work.

Meanwhile, the headquarters for flood control and drought relief has called on all localities in the province to make further efforts to fight the drought, reduce losses, and guarantee the supply of safe drinking water for the general public.　　

The headquarters have also sent out four work groups to direct anti-drought work in these areas.

According to the provincial meteorological station, the drought situation will remain severe as hot weather is expected to continue for the next few days.

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