A severe cold wave has gripped parts of north and northwest China this week, prompting local authorities to activate emergency plans to ensure public safety and maintain critical heating and transport services.
In China's northernmost regions, temperatures have plunged to extreme lows. The minimum temperature in Genhe City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region dropped to minus 43.6 degrees Celsius on Monday in its aptly named "Coldest Village," setting a new record for this winter.
The intense cold brought thick ice fog, reducing visibility to less than 100 meters and making travel difficult for local drivers and pedestrians.
"The moment I step outside, my face feels like it's being cut by knives, and my hands go numb in seconds. It's freezing today," said Li Furong, a local resident.
Facing the harsh freeze, local emergency services sprang into action. Transport departments have strengthened patrols on key roads to guarantee smooth traffic, while heating companies have raised supply temperatures and fuel reserves to ensure stable heat supply for residents.
"Our company maintains stable operation of two full cogeneration units (dual turbine-generator and boiler systems), with the heating supply temperature raised to 69 degrees Celsius," said Cheng Hao, deputy director of the operation and maintenance department at Genhe Guangming Thermoelectricity Co. Ltd.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has impacted Altay City in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region since Monday, driving temperatures down to minus 10 degrees Celsius.
Snow accumulation in some areas has exceeded 40 centimeters, disrupting local transport. In response, local authorities have deployed workers and heavy equipment to clear roads, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists.
China activates safety measures as severe cold wave sweeps multiple regions
