Frost hits several countries in Europe and Asia
Several countries in Europe and Asia are struggling with cold temperatures. Lisbon has set up special centres where people can come to keep warm. In Sardinia, a woman has died after reportedly freezing to death due to bad weather. Officials are working to help people get through this period.
Temperatures in Xunke, northern China, have dropped to minus 45 degrees Celsius, the lowest in 64 years. The authorities in the region have initiated a series of measures to provide residents with electricity and water.
"On January 23, it was minus 44.9 degrees Celsius in the town of Xunke, a record since the weather station was built in 1959. The lowest temperature of over 49 degrees Celsius was recorded in three localities in the Songsugo region, and near the Wudi River, thermometer readings also showed minus 49.3 degrees Celsius," said Meteorological Bureau Director Wu Chunde.
"To deal with the extremely cold weather, our company started using the backup boiler to boost the temperature. And we set up a rescue team of more than 20 employees to handle various hazard situations," says Ding Xuezhao.
Frosts and snowstorms have hit South Korea too, where the snow cover is about 70 centimetres. In Europe, too, cold temperatures are putting a strain on people. Portugal is on alert as temperatures plummet. Several measures are being taken. Warming centres have been set up in Lisabona for the homeless.
"This is probably the coldest part of the country. Especially since it's draughty. And yet they stay here. Even on such cold nights, the homeless don't leave."
A hailstorm hit Athens and other parts of Greece, resulting in flooding. Police have urged people to stay indoors and avoid travelling. Temperatures in Italy are abnormally cold for this time of year compared to past years. Forecasters predict the weather will warm up in some areas towards the end of the month, although the north of the peninsula will still be affected by low temperatures. One Romanian woman living alone in a wooden house in Sardinia was found dead in her home, meanwhile several schools closed.
