January 26, 2024 Recent snowfall and freezing temperatures in multiple regions of southern China, particularly in Central China’s Hunan Province, have left more than 10,000 people affected, according to reports from Weather China on Wednesday. While local authorities have taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents, the heavy snowfall has posed challenges, impacting crops and daily life in the affected areas.
From Monday to Tuesday, Hunan witnessed widespread snowfall, with 13 areas experiencing heavy accumulation. The snow depth reached a maximum of 29 centimeters in Xinhua County, setting a local record, as announced by Hunan authorities on Tuesday.
Tang Xichun from the office of the emergency command headquarters for low-temperature rain, snow, and ice in Hunan Province acknowledged the damage caused by the heavy snowfall. More than 10,000 people have been affected, with approximately 4,800 hectares of crops bearing the brunt of the extreme weather conditions. However, Tang reassured the public that the severity and impact would not be as serious as the weather event in 2008, as reported by media outlets.
In response to the situation, the level-IV emergency response in Changsha, Hunan Province, was lifted at 5 pm on Wednesday, indicating that the immediate threat had subsided.
Various regions have initiated measures to cope with the potential risks brought about by the cold weather. In Zhejiang Province, local departments have conducted simulation exercises to prepare for extensive heavy snowfall, significant temperature decreases, and high winds. Similarly, Jiangxi Province lifted the level-IV emergency response but mandated relevant departments to implement necessary measures. In Nanchang, Jiangxi, local authorities conducted snow removal and ice-clearing operations on Monday night.
Simultaneously, experts are taking steps to protect crops in different regions, employing measures to ensure a safe winter. The China Meteorological Administration, in an article published on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of farmers in southern provinces paying close attention to weather warning information. If there is a prolonged period of low temperatures below -3 degrees Celsius, farmers are advised to promptly harvest vegetables grown in open fields and ripe fruit. Necessary measures should also be taken to protect fruit tree seedlings, aquaculture, livestock, and poultry.
As winter tightens its grip on southern China, residents and authorities remain vigilant, working together to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather conditions and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
