In the rural village of Fangzhu, a deepening drought has left farmers without water for crops or daily survival. Once fertile fields now lie barren, and reservoirs have dried up completely.
Drone footage shows cracked soil stretching across the landscape. Villagers report the worst drought in years, with no significant rainfall since late 2024.
“The seedlings have already died. There’s no water in the river to pump,” says Mr. Lu, a local farmer. Others describe queuing for hours just to access small amounts of water.
Video:Drought Crisis in China – Urgent Climate Change Threat
The government is investigating the full extent of the disaster and has begun deploying emergency teams.
From November 1, 2024, to April 16, 2025, Guigang saw only 72mm of rainfall—80% less than the historical average.
This crisis is part of a growing global pattern. As the planet warms, extreme droughts, floods, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent, threatening food systems and displacing communities.
Experts warn that without urgent climate action, regions like Fangzhu may face long-term environmental and humanitarian consequences.