The biggest snowstorm in half a century in China

More than 50,000 people have been mobilized to clear snow in a city in China's northeastern region, after it faced the worst snowstorm in more than 50 years.

Xinhua cited sources from weather stations in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, yesterday saying the average daily snowfall since November 16 in the city is 11.4mm, the highest level. recorded since 1961. The blizzard lasted for 60 consecutive hours, the agency added.

Army support snow removal in Harbin city.(Photo: AFP)

More than 50,000 people including people, police and volunteers, were mobilized to clear the snow on the roads. The city government mobilized more facilities and specialized equipment to support. Education officials in Harbin demand that the kindergartens, primary and secondary schools be closed for the first two days of the week.

In neighboring Jilin Province, at least 4 people were killed by a snowstorm. Many flights and train routes in both Jilin and Heilongjiang have been postponed.

The China National Meteorological Center yesterday issued a warning for this snowstorm and forecasted snow will also appear in the eastern province of Heilongjiang in the next 24 hours. The amount of snowfall is expected to reach 10 to 14mm by 8 am today.