Blizzards Destroy Homes, Decimate Crops in C. China

Snowstorm wreaks havoc across central China

Lingering winter storms have affected hundreds of thousands of people in central and southwest China provinces of Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou, destroying homes, blocking highways and decimating crops, Xinhua quoted the authorities as saying.

In Hubei Province alone the snowstorm and freezing rains have destroyed at least 188 houses and 28,000 hectares of crops since Tuesday, affecting 336,000 people, 495 of whom were forced to relocate, according to the Department of Civil Affairs of Hubei Province.

Winter storms have also affected Hunan Province, which neighbors Hubei, blocking several highways and cutting vegetable supplies to the cities, said the report.

Guizhou Province in southwest China has also issued warnings for icy roads, following days of freezing rain. “Its traffic and police authorities have initiated emergency responses to ensure traffic flows on highways.”