BEIJING, A severe cold snap has enveloped several Chinese provinces, including Shanxi, Hebei, and Liaoning, with temperatures hitting unprecedented lows, as reported by state broadcaster on Sunday. Parts of the country, including Yichun in Heilongjiang, may witness record-breaking temperatures, potentially surpassing the lowest recorded in January 1980.
In response to the extreme conditions, the agriculture ministry initiated an emergency response, and the national disaster prevention body issued directives for local authorities to prepare emergency plans and equip for snow and ice removal. The directive stressed the need for advance storage of thermal coal to ensure uninterrupted power generation during the critical period.
President Xi Jinping urged an “all-out” emergency response to the cold snap, which began with snowfall and icy roads, leading to numerous accidents. While conditions were improving in Beijing, the severity of weather warnings was reduced, and schools are set to reopen after a temporary closure last week.
