After recent flooding in northern China, four provincial regions in the northwestern part of the country have been hit by severe drought conditions, prompting the activation of level-IV emergency responses. The areas affected include central and western Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia. Experts have warned that the return of El Nino could exacerbate the drought, but also noted that these regions have experience in dealing with such challenges.
The Ministry of Water Resources reported that the amount of flowing water and water stored in reservoirs in the affected regions has been significantly lower than in normal years since June. The drought is expected to persist for a longer period, raising concerns about its impact on agriculture and animal husbandry.
In response to the drought, local authorities have initiated measures to ensure water supply for arable land, such as implementing additional rounds of irrigation. In Gansu’s Jinchang city, drones were employed to spray pesticides in corn and potato fields to prevent pests and diseases.
The Gansu provincial emergency department has emphasized the need to secure water supply for both human livelihoods and livestock. The Ministry of Water Resources has dispatched working groups and expert teams to assess the situation and has called for close monitoring of rainfall, water resources, and drought conditions.
While the National Meteorological Center forecasts moderate to heavy rain in some affected areas over the next three days, experts caution that the extent to which this rainfall will alleviate the drought remains uncertain. Climate change experts have warned that the development of El Nino could contribute to global warming and result in variable weather patterns, including both heavier floods and prolonged droughts in different regions.
Historically, severe droughts have occurred in China due to moderate El Nino events, affecting multiple provinces and disrupting agriculture.