Winter storms in China by Elizabeth Saary
Severe winter storms have hit much of China killing at least 24 people and caused transport havoc and power shortages that have affected over 78 million people.
China is battling one of its coldest and snowiest winters in decades. The harsh winter weather comes at a time when tens of millions of migrant workers head home to celebrate the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) with their families.
The prolonged cold snap has produced immense falls of snow which have affected more than 4 million hectares (around 10 million acres) of farmland. The weight of snow in eastern and central China has led to the collapse of over 100,000 homes, with nearly half a million homes damaged. Railway services have been ground to a halt and major delays have plagued airports in the nation’s peak travel period.
Further falls of snow are likely across more eastern parts of China over the coming few days with temperatures set to rise only very slightly.
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