Funds allocated for drought relief in N China

China's central government has allocated funds for drought relief in the north of the country as a heat wave continues to scorch many areas.

A total of 145 million yuan (21.39 million U.S. dollars) has been transferred to local authorities for measures including ensuring the supply of drinking water for people and livestock, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

There have been serious droughts in areas including Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Liaoning and Jilin provinces, and continued hot weather will likely exacerbate the situation.

The National Meteorological Center Thursday issued an orange alert for heat wave, as temperatures rose above 35 degrees centigrade in various areas, including Beijing and parts of Hebei and Henan provinces.

A number of these areas could see temperatures surpass 40 degrees, according to the meteorological agency.

The MOF said it will closely monitor the situation and allocate more funds if necessary.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.