A farmer checks withered corn plants at Honghuaba Village in Daying County of Suining City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 13, 2006.  [Xinhua Photo]

A staff member of the local meteorological department prepares for a rocket precipitation enhancement in Yongchuan City, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Aug. 13, 2006. [Xinhua Photo]