China on High Alert as Freezing Temperatures Grip the North
BEIJING, Dec 16, 2023 – China issued a low-temperature alert on Saturday as the country braces for historic lows and a cold wave that is expected to persist until Tuesday. President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for all-out efforts to ensure safety in the face of the freezing weather. The alert comes after Beijing experienced its first snowfall of the winter, leading to transportation disruptions, flight cancellations, and a metro collision that injured over a hundred people.
The country’s meteorological authorities warned that the greater part of China would be affected by the cold wave. State news agency Xinhua reported that some areas in northern China and regions along the Yellow River and Huaihe River could experience record lows for this time of the year. Unusually cold weather is also expected to hit other parts of the country, including the southern region of Guizhou Province.
Despite the chilly conditions, tourists in Beijing braved the biting winds to visit the Great Wall, which was cloaked in a thin layer of snow. However, experts are warning of the increased risk of extreme weather events due to global warming, following a summer of record heat and devastating floods in northern China.
President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts in emergency response as the country braves the impending cold spell. He urged close attention to disaster prevention and relief work, strengthening coal, power, oil, and gas supplies, and ensuring energy security for citizens.
The low temperatures and harsh conditions pose significant challenges for the nation. As authorities prepare for the mercury to plummet, efforts are underway to secure energy supplies and guarantee the welfare of the population. President Xi’s advocacy for disaster prevention and relief highlights the severity of the situation.
As the cold wave blankets the region, China is once again confronting the consequences of extreme weather events. The clash between record-breaking heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter underscores the urgent need to address and mitigate the impact of climate change.
Keeping the well-being and safety of its citizens at the forefront, China is mobilizing resources to combat the anticipated challenges posed by the low temperatures. As the nation grapples with this latest bout of extreme weather, the world watches closely, recognizing the significance of these events in the context of a changing climate.
In the face of record-breaking cold, China remains vigilant, determined to protect its population and build resilience against the unpredictable forces of nature.
