China's Weather Modification Program, Aims to Replenish , Shrinking Yangtze River.<br />CNN reports that Chinese planes are firing <br />silver iodide rods into the sky to produce <br />more rain over the crucial Yangtze River. .<br />On August 17, the Ministry of Water Resources said <br />that drought in the Yangtze River basin was , "adversely affecting drinking water security of rural <br />people and livestock, and the growth of crops.".<br />On August 17, the Ministry of Water Resources said <br />that drought in the Yangtze River basin was , "adversely affecting drinking water security of rural <br />people and livestock, and the growth of crops.".<br />CNN reports that many areas of China are <br />grappling with the worst heat wave on record <br />causing droughts across the nation. .<br />Several regions have reportedly launched <br />weather modification programs to induce rainfall, <br />including central China's Hubei province. .<br />According to Hubei's Provincial Emergency Management Department, at least 4.2 million people in Hubei have been impacted by drought since June.<br />As a result of high temperatures and drought, over <br />150,000 people have limited access to drinking water <br />and almost 400,000 hectares of crops have been damaged.<br />CNN reports that the Yangtze is just one of <br />many major water sources that are drying up <br />or shrinking in the northern hemisphere.<br />Amid record-high temperatures and limited rainfall, both Lake Mead in the United States and the Rhine River in Germany are experiencing alarmingly low water levels.<br />Amid record-high temperatures and limited rainfall, both Lake Mead in the United States and the Rhine River in Germany are experiencing alarmingly low water levels.<br />On August 17, China issued its <br />highest red alert heat warning<br />in at least 138 cities and counties. .<br />According to the Meteorological Administration, , another 373 were placed under <br />the second-highest orange alert
