Henan hit by worst drought in 63 years

People affected by drought fetch water at a supply center in Songxian county, Henan province, July 30, 2014. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

The driest summer in 63 years is scorching Henan province as 240,000 people battle water shortages with parched conditions forecast to continue.

Villagers in Xingyao have to draw lots to decide who can pump water from the only well, out of 13, that has not dried up, local media reported.

Rainfall since June in the province is only 96 millimeters, about 60 percent less than the average of the past two decades, and the lowest since 1951, the provincial meteorological office said and added that the drought is expected to continue.

Another 12 provinces and regions are also suffering from severe drought, affecting more than 72 million mu of farmland and leaving 1.6 million people without adequate water supplies, according to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.