The severe drought in China's grain growing regions continues to abate. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters says about seven million hectares of crops in North China are threatened, a third less than last week.

Increased irrigation combined with recent precipitation are gradually relieving the drought conditions.

The Yellow River Control and Drought Relief Headquarter has ordered increased water flow from the Xiaolangdi Reservoir six times now, as well as increased releases from the Wanjiazhai and Pingdonghu Reservoirs.

In Anhui and Jiangsu provinces, the petrol and electricity sectors are working to ensure additional gas and electricity supplies reach the area to provide energy for irrigation.

(CCTV February 17, 2009)