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The drought, which has left southwestern China suffering since last year, has affected about 61 million people and left more than 12 million acres (about 5 million hectares) barren in Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing and Guangxi. For parts of Yunnan, it is the worst drought in a century, with about 5.4 million people facing water shortages according to a director at the Yunnan Land Resources Bureau. China’s large land mass means drought can occur in one region while others have record-breaking temperatures and severe storms that can cause floods. A massive sandstorm in late March covered Beijing and other cities in northern China in a layer of sand and grit.

Than Shwe Sets Ground Rules for Polls
At an Armed Forces Day speech in Naypyidaw on March 27, Burma’s junta chief warned political parties to behave while campaigning for elections later this year, adding that the armed forces can take part in politics “whenever the need arises.” In his seven-minute speech, Snr-Gen Than Shwe also warned the international community against meddling in the upcoming election and said “divisive acts” could spark anarchy and derail the transition to democracy. Than Shwe did not reveal a date for the election. The 77-year-old regime strongman rarely speaks in public, except at Armed Forces Day ceremonies.