Widespread snowfalls paralyse transport and disrupt power grids

Beijing has stepped up disaster relief efforts as severe snowfalls continue to cause casualties, cut electricity supplies, disrupt traffic and damage crops.

The State Council's Emergency Management Office has issued a circular demanding lower-level authorities put more resources into helping disaster-stricken families, and offer practical help.

The notice said Premier Wen Jiabao had ordered efforts be made to avoid major accidents and limit damage as much as possible.

Lower-level authorities were also asked to ensure normal water, heat and gas supplies and quickly repair damaged infrastructure.

Heavy snow that has hit many parts of the mainland since January 12 continued to plague the country yesterday.

In Guizhou , an influx of cold air since Thursday has formed the most serious hoar frost in 50 years, testing electricity transmission lines. China Southern Grid had recorded 548 power failures by Monday afternoon and 20 substations could not transmit power, China News Service reported.

Power to seven counties was cut, affecting more than 129,800 households. The company has sent more than 4,000 workers for repairs, but work is expected to be hampered by the bad weather, forecast to continue until the end of the month.