Shenzhen, Guangzhou Prepare For Drought

Guangzhou and Shenzhen have warned of severe water shortages lasting into next spring as the East River, a tributary of Guangdong's Pearl River, continues to be hit by its most severe drought in decades.

Authorities in both cities are asking residents to reduce water consumption, with rainfall between January and October this year down by a quarter compared to average levels over the last decade.

An official notice issued this week said the inflow of water into the East River Basin, a major supply of water for both cities and Hong Kong, will remain at around 50 to 60 percent of its usual level into next spring.

It also said the company in charge of Guangzhou's water supply was taking emergency measures to deal with increased salt tides, where the water supply becomes increasingly saline due to a lack of fresh water. (Reuters)