Drought lingers in southwestern China

Southwestern China is still struggling with drought conditions not seen in a century. Local people and governments are finding ways to get water, while residents from other places of China are extending a helping hand.

A dry spell has parched Napo county in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for three consecutive seasons.

Its 28-thousand residents are all suffering. Local officials are trying different ways to help them.

Huang Zhiwen, Local Water Resouces Official, said, "We are offering running water to households three times a day, and one hour each time."

But water doesn't reach those living above the third floor.

People carry drinking water at a water supply point  of Wenqian village at Dongshan Township in Bama Yao  Autonomous County, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang  Autonomous Region, March 23, 2010. Thirteen of total  fourteen cities in Guangxi have been suffered with  severe drought, and 7.82 million people are affected  by the drought, according to local bureau of  civil affairs. (Xinhua/Li Bin)

Ma Shunde, Napo County resident, said, "We go through a bucket of water like this every week. We haven't cooked since Spring Festival."

Ma Shunde says they have to save some water for emergencies.

Napo is the worst hit county in Guangxi. People in neighboring Guangdong Province are sending bottled water to help them out.

The 11-thousand bottles of water were donated by Jiaduobao Group.

The offer is part of the "Raining Campaign" launched by China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, China Central Television and other media groups.

Chen Kaizhi, China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, said, "Today, by accepting the donation from Jiaduobao company we formally announce the kick off of our raining campaign. "

The Red Cross is also donating cash and relief materials worth 1 million Yuan.