The worst drought in 50 years which hit the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River has affected 9.89 million people in four central provinces, including Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi and Anhui.

It has affected millions without enough drinking water is pushing inflation to increase and adding to spreading of power shortages.

Also the drought in China may decrease early-season rice output if there's no adequate rain over the next two weeks, according to industry researcher.

Drought in China has affected 6.5 million hectares of farmland, the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

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