North-west China struggles under strongest snowfalls in 60 years

Tue, 26 Jan 2010

Beijing - China's government promised "effective measures" as record snowfalls and cold temperatures in the north-western region of Xingjiang caused several deaths and severe damage to the local economy. At least 13 people have died in the cold snap, and 1.42 million people have been affected as more than 7,000 houses collapsed and many more were damaged as temperatures dropped below minus 26 degrees Celsius amid heavy snowfalls, state media reported.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao visited the affected region on the weekend and promised government help.

"The Spring Festival [China's Lunar New Year holiday] is drawing near. We must implement well relief measures and make sure that people in blizzard-hit regions will have a peaceful and happy festival," Wen was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency.

Wen promised further government aid in addition to the 65.4 million yuan (9.6 million dollars) in emergency aid pledged by local authorities. Finance Minister Xie Xuren promised 14 million yuan to support farmers.

Last week, Beijing pledged 124 million yuan in emergency aid for Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305834,north-west-china-struggles-under-strongest-snowfalls-in-60-years.html.