China Drought Leaves Rice Bowl Bare

China's largest rice-growing provinces, Hunan and Jiangxi, are suffering from severe drought. Water levels are at historic lows, according to Reuters. The situation is considered catastrophic, because rice, the main food staple in China, needs a constant supply of water.

Since October, rainfall has dropped by an average of 98% — leading to the destruction of nearly 5,000 square miles of crops, according to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, reported by Xinhua Economic News Service. Some 3.2 million people and 2.6 million animals are facing drinking water shortages.

Both drought and floods are persistent problems in China. According to Reuters, scientists say global warming is exacerbating the number and severity of China's catastrophic weather events. The government has blamed many of its natural disasters on global warming, though human activities — such as the draining, damming and diverting of river systems — also plays a fundamental role.

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