Chongqing- Recently, Chongqing has encountered an extreme heatwave, severe drought, and a resurgent pandemic. In Chongqing, the government has done everything possible to support the market and supply residents with daily essentials. 

On August 25, the Chongqing Finance Bureau allocated an emergency fund of 40 million yuan (about 5.8 million U.S. dollars) to districts and counties. Currently, 80 million yuan has been accumulated in the fund, which is used for water facilities, water transport equipment, and disaster relief materials.

Sufficient food supply with stable prices

"Goods are still available at a relatively favorable price, which is the same as before," said a Shapingba resident.   

The Hema Supermarket Aolai Store at Shapingba District, Chongqing. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

One supermarket in Tianxingqiao, Shapingba District, is full of goods, such as rice, noodles, oil, meat, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits. The price of commodities is stable and marked, and residents shop as usual.

As the supermarket staff replenishes the vegetable area, they push a flat trolley full of boxes. "As soon as the shelves are empty, we will replenish the goods in time to prevent shortages on the shelves," said one representative of the supermarket.

A staff replenishes milk at the Longzhou New Century Department Store. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Markets have overstocked, 7 or 8 times more than before the epidemic, enough supply to last the next few months.

In Chongqing, many supermarkets and commercial enterprises have also innovated supply methods through online shopping and offline delivery. Contactless distribution can ease epidemic prevention pressure. 

Securing the water demands of villagers

Heatwaves in Chongqing continue to increase water consumption among urban and rural residents. The daily water supply in the central metropolitan area exceeds four million cubic meters, and the water supply pressure has increased dramatically.

The water conservancy department opened new water sources, used drought relief equipment, and delivered water on time to urban and rural areas.

People have difficulty accessing water in rural areas of Chongqing, especially in high mountains and remote areas. The Department of Emergency Management of Chongqing ensures the water demand of villagers through water delivery and pipeline extension.

The fire department of Yongchuan District dispatched fire trucks to deliver water to people facing water shortages. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

In Yunyang County, to ensure the rice harvest, the local government harvested the middle rice in low-altitude areas and irrigated late rice in high-altitude regions to allow the late rice to survive until the harvest season.

In addition, the China Meteorological Administration dispatched a high-performance aircraft to assist Chongqing in its rain enhancement and drought relief efforts, along with experts to provide guidance.

The Chongqing Meteorological Bureau predicts that Chongqing's high-temperature areas above 40°C will decrease from August 26 to 28 due to the slight degradation of the subtropical high.

(Zhu Qinzhuo, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)