Word: hebei
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1981-1981
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...flood disaster pales, however, when compared with the results of a two-year drought that is centered in the northern province of Hebei, but has also affected five other neighboring provinces. An estimated 14 million people are living on survival rations. Says a recent visitor: "There are vast areas of parched land where nothing has grown since early last year. Wells are bone dry or terribly low." Contagious diseases are epidemic, and rickets strikes an estimated 11 % of children under 14. The drought shows no sign of ending. Declares an international relief official: "The situation can only deteriorate even further...