Heavy snow sweeps across China's northwest triggering emergency measures

已複製連結

A cold wave accompanied by heavy snow has swept across much of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region since Tuesday, disrupting traffic while triggering emergency measures in worst hit regions. 

Huyanghe City recorded its first snow this winter on Tuesday. Local authorities have ramped up emergency response efforts such as launching snow clearing operations, focusing on key intersections along major roads near schools and hospitals to ensure the safety of residents. 

Meteorological experts have warned that minimum temperatures in most parts of northern Xinjiang will drop by 12-15 degrees Celsius until Thursday night. The local government has upgraded its yellow alert for cold wave to orange. 

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.