The dried cornfield is seen in the mountainous area of Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 18, 2011. A severe drought hit Shandong Province, covering an area of more than 20,106 square kilometers. Facing shortage of water, local government planned to invest 275 million yuan (about US$41.7 million ) to build a set of irrigation projects. [Xinhua]

Li Chuanhai, an official with Duandian village, inspects the dried field in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 18, 2011. A severe drought hit Shandong Province, covering an area of more than 20,106 square kilometers. Facing shortage of water, local government planned to invest 275 million yuan (about US$41.7 million ) to build a set of irrigation projects. [Xinhua]