45-day drought scorches vast swathes of crops

Cracks in the farmland and withered plants scatter the landscape after a prolonged devastating drought in Liutong village, Guizhou province, Aug 8. Having seen no rain for more than 45 days in a row, 2,533.3 hectares of farmland in the village are affected, half of almost destroyed. Some 16,000 villagers and 600 livestock are also short of drinking water.[Qiao Qiming/Asianewsphoto]