China is deploying 2 huge drones to seed rain amid a record drought that has taken over half the country and hit economic activity

The National Climate Center in China says that a record heatwave has engulfed swathes of the country. The situation is particularly pronounced in Sichuan, a major hydropower producer that supplies cities likeJiangsu andShanghai, which are more than 1000 miles away.

Two drones were deployed on Thursday in order to improve the situation. The operation will continue until Monday.

The People's Daily is owned by the Communist Party.

—People's Daily, China (@PDChina) August 26, 2022

China's industrial activity and economic growth are being affected by the extreme weather.

According to China's Caixin media outlet, hydropower plants in Sichuan have been operating at less than half their normal capacity since August. The power cuts have led to the suspension of operations by major companies.

China will have to compete for exports from the international markets and drive up food prices because of the dry weather.

It's still better than last year, when power cuts were more widespread, according to ING's chief economist.

Pang estimated that the power shortage has impacted 1% of China's GDP so far, but that factory suspension in key cities is a relief to the government.