Drought has left 1.82 million people suffering from drinking water shortage in southwest China's mountainous province of Guizhou, the provincial civil affairs bureau said in a statement.

The drought, which started in June, has damaged 550,200 hectares of crops, it said.

The direct economic loss amounted to 1.82 billion yuan ($ 283 million), according to the statement.

Twelve counties and districts mainly in western Guizhou suffered severe drought, while 24 others suffered moderate drought, it stated.

Thunderstorms were forecast for most of the province in the coming week, which is likely to help ease the lingering drought, the provincial meteorological center said.

As Guizhou suffers from the drought, many parts in southern China are frequently hit by torrential rains and rain-triggered disasters during the rainy season.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2011)