China is suffering from a record cold spell

The China Meteorological Agency (CMA) on January 5 said the northeastern regions are experiencing the harshest winter in 43 years when temperatures have dropped to minus 15.3 degrees Celsius. , lower than the average temperature of record cold periods in recent years to 3.7 degrees C.

The whole territory of China is suffering from a cold spell that is considered by the experts to be the worst in nearly three decades.

Heavy snowfall

Low temperatures have caused sea water to freeze in Lai Chau Bay, Shandong Province, causing nearly 1,000 boats to be stuck. The 10cm thick layer of snow and ice has hindered traffic and difficulties in people's travel.

Due to heavy snow, hundreds of flights had to be canceled, while some sections of the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau highway had to be temporarily closed.

CMA predicts that next week the temperature will warm up while in the southern provinces will continue to have storms and snow.

Thousands of people were stranded at the airport due to delays

On the same day, the National Committee for Flood and Drought Control said that in 2012, about 670 people were killed and 159 people were missing during floods in 184 cities and towns across the country. enjoy the life of 120 million people.

The death toll is 50% lower than the average number of recent years, showing the effectiveness of government and local people in the prevention of casualties.

Last year, floods and droughts caused an estimated 320.8 billion yuan (51.49 billion US dollars) in damage, destroying 9.33 million hectares of crops, lower than the average of recent years. This is about 60%.