County in Chongqing battles drought amid heat

As Chongqing continues to endure scorching heat, Fengjie county in the eastern part of the city is taking measures to prevent wildfires and drought.

Chongqing has been experiencing an unusual heat wave this year, with temperatures in most areas exceeding 40 C. By Sept 16, the number of hot days at Shapingba Station this year had reached 68, a record high, said Tang Hongyu, chief engineer at the Chongqing Climate Center.

The standard for hot days in Chongqing is when the daily maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 35 C.

Fengjie, in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir area on the Yangtze River, boasts large forests and beautiful mountains that attract many residents and tourists seeking a hint of coolness on hot days. But the pressure to prevent wildfires is increasing.

The Fengjie county emergency management bureau has mobilized people in towns and villages to enhance fire prevention publicity, using banners, radio broadcasts, text messages and public announcements to warn about potential risks.

It set up special working teams to inspect the forests and fields around the clock and strictly monitor fire sources.

"Every person must scan a QR code to register their information and turn in lighters or matches before entering the forest area," said Xiao Jianhua, the bureau's director. "We also ask them to help us prevent wildfires and safeguard the beautiful scenery."

The bureau has also strengthened consultations with meteorological and forestry departments, and released forest and grassland fire risk warning signals in a timely manner.

No major wildfires have occurred in the county, but the long spell of sunny, hot weather has caused severe droughts in some villages.

In the town of Chang'an Tujia, where the major water source was being rapidly depleted, the local government built a 19.15-kilometer-long emergency pipeline to divert water from a nearby reservoir, ensuring domestic water supply to its 1,226 households and 5,058 residents.