GUIYANG, China, July 27 (UPI) -- Persistent drought in southwest China's Guizhou province has affected more than 8.37 million people, local officials said.

The dry weather has lingered in the region since mid-June, affecting 61 counties, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported Friday.


More than 1.3 million acres of farmland have been affected, causing an economic loss of $522 million, local officials said.

Provincial government officials have allocated $3.1 million for drought relief.

The dry weather is expected to remain through Aug. 5.