Society

Freezing weather affects over 4m people in Yunnan

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-25 17:14

BEIJING - Snow and sleet have hit southwest China's Yunnan Province many times this month, affecting 4.265 million people, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.

The freezing weather has left one person dead and 472 sick or wounded as of 8 am Tuesday, a ministry statement said.

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Over 110,000 people have been evacuated or are stranded in 51 counties in the province.

The accumulated ice has caused more than 45,000 homes to collapse.

Economic losses are estimated at 1.57 billion yuan ($238 million).

The ministry has sent 20,000 cotton-padded coats and 20,000 quilts to the province to help those affected.

Currently, icy weather continues to hit northeast and northwest parts of the province.