Cold Snap Grips China, Triggering Emergency Measures

A cold snap has swept across China, bringing strong winds, heavy snow, and plunging temperatures. Local authorities have initiated emergency response measures to mitigate the impact of the severe weather.

The Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Northeast China, and North China have been particularly affected, with temperatures dropping by 12 to 16 degrees Celsius in some areas. The China Meteorological Administration activated a level-four emergency response on Monday to address the ongoing snowstorm, advising affected regions to adjust measures based on local conditions.

In Heilongjiang province, the local meteorological bureau issued a red alert, the highest level in China's four-tier warning system, and initiated emergency plans to reduce the impact of blizzards. Jilin province has deployed large snow removal equipment to clear roads and ensure safe travel.

The Yellow River in Inner Mongolia is approaching the ice jam season, when ice blocks the river and potentially causes flooding. The local water conservancy department has implemented preventive measures to remove obstructions and maintain water flow.

Northwest China has also taken precautions to address emergencies caused by the season's first cold wave. In Lanzhou, Gansu province, the heating service department has established teams to inspect heating systems and repair any issues. In Xining, Qinghai province, community workers have braved the harsh conditions to inspect heating in older buildings and clear snow from roads and rooftops.

Beijing, under a blue cold wave alert, has issued a notice requiring scenic spots to implement safety measures, including preventing slips and falls on icy roads and evacuating tourists if necessary.

The cold wave is expected to continue moving southeast, affecting central and eastern regions of China in the coming days. Forecasters predict temperatures in these regions will drop by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.