Chinese Surprised by Snow, Record Snowfall Causes Collapse

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Strong blizzards in parts of northeastern China have brought record snowfall, causing concern about keeping homes warm in an area affected by power outages earlier this year.

In the capital Shenyang, in Liaoning province, the average snowfall reached 51 centimeters. The state news agency Xinhua states that these are the heaviest snowfalls since 1905.

In neighboring Inner Mongolia, one person died and more than 5,600 are endangered due to a strong snowstorm. Meteorological researchers in the Mongolian city of Tongliao told "Global Times" that the snowstorm was an "extremely random and sudden extreme weather event".

A total of 27 red warnings were issued across Inner Mongolia and northeastern China - the highest snowstorm warning. The cold snap, which began on Sunday, caused temperatures to drop by at least 14 degrees Celsius in some parts of northeastern China.

In Liaoning, traffic is difficult due to snowfall, and most highway toll stations have been closed since Tuesday. Railway and bus stations are also closed, except for those in the cities of Dalian and Dandong.

Authorities announced that they are intensifying efforts to keep homes warm by increasing coal imports and maximizing power generation capacity, the BBC reports. They also appealed to markets and grocery stores to increase food supplies and reduce prices.