BEIJING - The country's top meteorologist said science and technology will answer the prayers of those living through the harshest drought in decades afflicting Southwest China.

Some rural residents, desperate for relief from the dry spell they have been reeling under since last fall, are burning incense and paying obeisance to deities, praying for the heavens to open up.

"We have artificial precipitation equipment that is on par with the world's best, so instead of turning to religion, people can well count on science and technology to relieve drought and increase rain," said Zheng Guoguang, chief of the China Meteorological Administration.