More than three million people faced water shortage as a worst drought in 50 years hit parts of south and southwest China, according to local meteorological officials.

The drought affected 2.91 million people and 1.48 million large livestock in Yunnan, while up to 57.5 percent of crops, or 21.24 million mu (about 142 hectares), in the southwestern province were also affected.

Yunnan's rainfall since last July was 207 millimeters lower than the perennial average, whereas the temperature was 1.7 degrees higher, said Ma Lianxiang, chief forecaster of Yunnan Provincial Meteorological Department.

He said the provincial meteorological department issued a drought alert Wednesday.

In neighboring Guizhou Province, where about 250,000 people suffered drinking water shortage, the government mobilized 61,000 people, 1,140 water transporting vehicles to tackle the problem, according to Guizhou Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

In south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, more than 80,000 people in Donglan County suffered water shortage, local authorities said Wednesday.

"A total of 38,100 people in Donglan have to fetch water or rely on water delivered by the government," said Wei Yongzhong with Donglan County Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

The county's rainfall was 887.6 millimeters in 2009, down 60.7 percent from 2008 and 45 percent lower than perennial average.

Donglan had invested 736,300 yuan (US$107,836) since 2009 and temporarily solved the water problems of 27,000 people and 23,500 livestock, said Wei.

No considerable rainfall that could end the drought in the county in the near future was forecast, according to the local meteorological center.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2010)