The central province of Hunan has started releasing more water from upstream reservoirs to boost near record low water levels in the middle and lower reaches of the Xiangjiang River, according to the Ministry of Water Resources website. Some parts of the riverbed were described as dry and barren by the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters, and boats were grounded and drinking water safety was threatened.

The 856km-long Xiangjiang is the largest river in Hunan and a major tributary of the Yangtze. The river basin has received 69 per cent less rainfall than normal in recent weeks, said the ministry.

Without this action, there would likely be disruptions in tap water supplies to the 6m residents of the provincial capital Changsha. City authorities are also building emergency water intake points further upstream to ensure water supplies as no substantial rain was forecast in the near future.