Beijing's Historic Cold Wave Shatters Modern Records
Beijing battles through its longest cold wave in modern history, as China's heating systems face challenges in coping with the extreme weather
Beijing experienced its longest cold wave since 1951, with temperatures and snowfall finally starting to ease in the Chinese capital and surrounding areas. According to the Beijing Daily, the temperature at the Nanjiao weather station rose above zero degrees Celsius on Sunday afternoon for the first time in days.
"Beijing Daily reported that the temperature has been below freezing for over 300 hours since it first dropped below zero degrees on December 11. A severe cold wave has affected most of China this month, putting a strain on the heating systems in many northern cities."
Chinas central province of Henan has seen multiple system failures.
People hold a rope as they climb down an icy section of the Great Wall of China.
Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
Heating in Jiaozuo was partially stopped due to a malfunction at the Wanfang power plant. The issue has been resolved and heating is set to resume on Sunday night, as reported by the official city newspaper, Jiaozuo Daily.
In addition, Puyang and Pingdingshan have reduced heating to government buildings and state-owned enterprises to prioritize resources for hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. This decision has been communicated through statements from the two city governments.
Capital Beijing has been experiencing frigid temperatures for several days, leading to disruptions in the city's metro system. A recent incident involving a collision between two trains on a busy metro line during snowy conditions resulted in the hospitalization of hundreds of commuters, with dozens of them sustaining fractured bones, according to the city's transportation authority.
The bitter temperatures also hampered rescue efforts after a deadly earthquake this month in northwest Gansu province.
