A total of 3.48 million people faced drinking water shortage as of Thursday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, according to the Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters of Guizhou.

The drought had affected 8.96 million mu ( one hectare equals 15 mu) of crops, including 2.97 million mu in serious damage and 5.21 million mu slightly damaged as of Thursday, said the headquarters in a statement.

The drought also threatened water supply for 1.56 million head of livestock, it said.

Guizhou has mobilized more than 1.3 million people, used 73.59 million yuan (US$10.77 million) to fight the drought.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2010)