More than three million people are facing a water shortage as the worst drought in 50 years impacts parts of south and southwest China. And local authorities have earmarked more than 50 million yuan of emergency funds to help relieve the pressure.

Local authorities in southwest China's Yunnan province says the lasting drought has severely affected the local residents' drinking water supply, particularly in some rural areas for both people and livestock.

Zhou Yunlong, Standing Deputy Head of Yunnan Flood Control & Drought Relief Office, said, "The drinking water shortage in the mountainous areas are particularly bad. More than 3 million people have been severely affected."

More than three million people are facing a water shortage as the worst drought in 50 years impacts parts of south and southwest China. [Xinhua]

Local authorities in Yunnan have earmarked 50 million yuan of emergency funds to guarantee the drinking water supply for people and livestock, and to restoring agriculture production.

For now, the water shortage has been temporarily solved for more than 2.7 million people and 1.5 million livestock across the province.

Yang Yanmei, Head of Baoshan Towship, said, "Our colleagues invented this water tank, and now there are 7 water tanks in this village, we are considering subsidizing 2 thousand yuan to make 2 more water tanks to ensure the basic daily needs."

Meanwhile, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, more than 80 thousand people in Donglan County have suffered severe water shortage. And the regional meteorological department has issued a drought alert.