Chinese officials discuss ways to cope with widespread cold snap

Chinese officials discussed measures to prevent and respond to disasters caused by low temperatures, rain, heavy snowfall and frost on December 16.

The Office of the National Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Relief Commission and the Ministry of Emergency Management of China convened a meeting with the participation of representatives of relevant departments and agencies.

Officials assessed that disasters caused by low temperatures, rain, snow and ice pose high potential for natural disasters and have greatly affected people's livelihoods in some areas, adding that widespread cold spells are expected to persist.

At the meeting, participants agreed on the need to increase efforts to monitor and issue timely warnings, as well as closely follow weather changes.

Officials also called for ensuring safe and smooth operation of transport networks and power grids, optimizing rescue forces and resources, and enhancing the supply capacity of coal, electricity, oil and gas.

On December 15, China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) continued to maintain an orange warning for cold weather.

This is the most serious warning level in China's three-tier warning system, as experts predict temperatures will plummet in most regions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out efforts to deal with the emergency, resolutely directing the prevention and response to disasters caused by low temperatures, rain, snow and ice.