China Water: July 11, 2008: Xinjiang fears drought and floods.

I am sharing this with a bit of wariness because I am not familiar with the source. However, news from Xinjiang is rare and the report in the article fits with my understanding of conditions in Xinjiang.

Peter Huston
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http://www.aboutxinjiang.com/news/content/2008-07/10/content_2691417.htm
Source: Index >> News >> Local News

In July,flood and drought disaster is still pessimistic in Xinjiang
(tianshannet) Updated: 2008-July-10 12:44:37

Tianshannet(Shi Qiaomei reported)In July,flood and drought disaster is still pessimistic in Xinjiang.What's summarized in the 3rd " Analysing Conference for Flood/Drought Disaster" hold by Provincial Headquarters of Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance on July 4th.

It's learned that the average temperate of North Xinjiang and Tianshan Mountains in July is 0．2℃ to 0．5℃ higher than years before;Temperature in much place of south Xinjiang is 0．3℃ to 0．6℃ higher than years before.The total rainfall amount in Tianshan mountian and west of North Xinjiang increase 1%to 2% than years before,other regions decrease 1% to 2% than years before;Except in much place of North Kunlun mountain ,the total rainfall amount increase,in other regions decrease 2% to 5% than years before. The total water supply of the main rivers in Xinjiang is less or equal to average amounts of years before.In which,the total water supply of rivers in Altay region of North Xinjiang decrease 43%,and other regions decrease 2% to 5%;Except Kadu River、Tuoshigan River 、Kezi River and Tiznapu River in south Xinjiang,decrease 14% to 20% water,water supply in other regions keep before or increase.

It's analyzed that if rainfall or water supply still decrease,drought disaster in part regions would expond,especially in some regions irrgated by reserior and river,dry land and grass land.In July, the main rivers in Xinjiang are all in the mostly flood season,urgent drought change to flood cases caused by rainstorm are very likely to happen in some regions .Because of high temperature in this mounth,middle or small scale flood will be happened in the next 20 days.So Provincial Headquarters of Flood Prevention and Drought Resistance demands all parts of Xinjiang pay attention to flood prevention and drought resistance.
(SOURCES: XJTS)Editor: zhaoqian