View source for 2008 Chinese winter storms

{{Short description|Series of natural disasters in China}}
{{Infobox winter storm
|name=2008 Chinese winter storms
|image location=Chinasnowstorm2008_bijie.jpg
|image name=Residents battle China's worst<br>winter storm in 50 years
|stormtype=Series of low pressure systems and cold snap
|date formed=25 January 2008<ref name = bbcstorm0207>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = Snow-hit China welcomes New Year
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7231622.stm
 | date = 2008-02-07
}}</ref>
|date dissipated=6 February 2008
|maximum amount=
|pressure=
|total damages (USD) =At least 151.65 billion [[Chinese yuan]] ($21.94 billion [[United States dollar|US$]])<ref name = sinaxinhua2-23>{{in lang|zh}}[http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-02-23/110515001984.shtml 129 People Killed, 4 Missing in Winter Storms], [[Xinhua News Agency]], February 23, 2008.</ref>
|total fatalities=at least 129
|areas affected= [[Hubei]], [[Hunan]], [[Zhejiang]], [[Guizhou]], [[Guangdong]], [[Jiangxi]], [[Guangxi]], [[Fujian]],  [[Henan]], [[Shandong]], [[Jiangsu]], [[Anhui]], [[Shanghai]], [[Chongqing]], [[Shanxi]], [[Sichuan]]
}}

The '''2008 Chinese winter storms''' ({{lang|zh-Hans-CN|2008年中国雪灾、2008年中国南方雪灾}}) were a series of [[winter storm]] events that affected large portions of southern and central [[China]], where it does not usually snow severely or extensively, starting from 25 January 2008, until 6 February 2008. The systems affected most of the area with [[snowstorm|heavy snow]]s, [[ice storm|ice]], and [[cold wave|cold]] temperatures causing extensive damage and [[transport in the People's Republic of China|transportation]] disruption for several thousand travelers. It became China's worst winter weather in half a century. According to some media sources, the storms were directly responsible for at least 129 deaths.<ref name = sinaxinhua2-23/>

==Cold snap and blizzard==
The severe winter events started on 10 January when a large dome of cold air enveloped most parts of China, causing much precipitation in the form of heavy snow west of the coastal areas, where the temperature dropped to slightly below 0&nbsp;°C (32&nbsp;°F). The provinces of [[Hunan]], [[Hubei]], [[Henan]], [[Shandong]], [[Jiangsu]], [[Anhui]], and the municipality of [[Shanghai]] were hardest hit. Some received their worst snowstorms in seventeen years while some experienced their worst in five decades. After the first wave of precipitation had passed, the snow continued to fall for several days, accompanied by bitterly cold weather.<ref name=Canoestorm>{{cite news
 |author=Bodeen, Christopher (Associated Press) 
 |title=Heavy snow blamed for 15 deaths in China 
 |url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/01/20/4784056-ap.html
 |date=2008-01-20 
 |url-status=usurped
 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070623032604/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/01/20/4784056-ap.html 
 |archive-date=2007-06-23 
}}</ref><ref name = usatodaystorm>{{cite news
 | agency = Associated Press
 | title = Winter storm chaos grips China
 |publisher = USA Today
 |url = https://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/winter/2008-01-29-china-snow_N.htm
 |date = 29 January 2008
}}</ref>

Snow was even reported in the country's largest true desert, the [[Taklamakan Desert|Taklamakan]], where the snow and record low temperatures near {{convert|-25|C|F|0}} lasted 11 consecutive days and killed livestock. At one point, the temperature dropped to {{convert|-32|C|F|0}}, breaking the January 2006 record of {{convert|-26.1|C|F}}. However, the historical temperature series in this observatory is very short (started in 1996). The snow depth exceeded {{convert|4|cm|in}} at times in the center of the desert according to the Tazhong Observatory. According to [[Xinhua]], it was the first time that snow covered the entire desert simultaneously.<ref name = xinhuanetdesertsnow>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title = China's biggest desert Taklamakan experiences record snow
 | publisher = Xinhuanet.com
 | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/01/content_7544946.htm
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080208090206/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/01/content_7544946.htm
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 8, 2008
 | date = 2008-02-01
}}</ref>

==Causes==
According to scientists at China's National Climate Center and the [[United Nations]]' [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]] (IPCC), these winter storms in China have been mainly related to abnormal [[atmospheric circulation]] and [[La Niña]], and are not directly linked to [[climate change]].<ref>{{cite news
 | author = Perry, Michael
 | title = China's snow storms, not climate change-scientists
 | publisher = Reuters UK
 | url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUKSYD222109._CH_.242020080131
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080206171303/http://uk.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUKSYD222109._CH_.242020080131
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = 6 February 2008
 | date = 31 January 2008
}}</ref> The China Meteorological Administration mentioned that the 2007-08 winter was the coldest recorded across the country since 1986-87, with one month during the winter storm event that was 2.5 degrees Celsius below normal.<ref name = xinhuawinter>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title =  China experiences coldest winter in two decades
 | publisher = ChinaDaily.com
 | url = http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-02/18/content_6464154.htm
 | date = 2008-02-18
}}</ref>

==Effects==
[[Image:2008 Chinese winter storms map en.svg|thumb|250px|Provinces affected by the snow storm:
{{legend|#00B4FF|Severely affected}}
{{legend|#C8FFFF|Affected}}]]

===Damage===
The snowstorm caused extensive damage to many low-rise buildings, the roofs of which collapsed, killing occupants inside. It was estimated that about 223,000 homes were destroyed and 862,000 others were damaged. CNN also reported that a 500&nbsp;meter-long auto plant in [[Xiangtan, China|Xiangtan]] had its entire roof collapse.<ref name = cnnstorm0204>{{cite news
 | author = ((CNN))
 | title =  New devastation emerges in China
 | publisher = CNN.com
 | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/04/china.weather/index.html
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080205054442/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/04/china.weather/index.html
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 5, 2008
 | date = 4 February 2008
}}</ref><ref name=ahnstorm>{{cite news
 |author       = Hernandez, Vittorio
 |title        = Three-Week Massive Snow Storm Costs Chinese Economy $7.5 Billion
 |publisher    = All Headline News
 |url          = http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009905178
 |date         = 2008-02-01
 |access-date  = 2008-02-02
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080213035103/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009905178
 |archive-date = 2008-02-13
 |url-status     = dead
}}</ref>

The power system of China was also severely affected by adverse conditions. Widespread power outages were reported. In [[Chenzhou]], which has a population of 4.6&nbsp;million, it was reported that the entire city had no power or water for nearly two weeks, including government buildings and hospitals, while telecommunications cables and Internet networks were also damaged.<ref name = shanghaidaily>{{cite news
 |author1=Jian, Yang  |author2=Chen, Lydia
 | title = Crisis in Chenzhou – No power or water
 | publisher = The Shanghai Daily
 | url = http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200801/20080131/article_347436.htm
 | date = 31 January 2008
}}</ref> In [[Fuzhou, Jiangxi]], it was reported that the city lost power for about 3 weeks.<ref name="bbcstorm0207"/> At one point, seventeen of the thirty-one provinces and autonomous regions of China had to endure reduced power supplies. Beginning 1 February, all of Shanghai's skyline night lights were shut off to support relief efforts and were not resumed until the storm was declared officially over. In [[Guizhou]], officials said it could take up to five months to mend the power grid fully. Xinhua reported that electricity across most of the 170 worst-hit counties was restored by the Chinese New Year.<ref name = bbcstorm0207/> Coal reserves were also down to emergency levels and stockpiles were only sufficient for eight days of power generation.<ref name = bbcstorm0123>{{cite news
 | author = ((BBC News))
 | title = China in power shortage warning
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7204841.stm
 | date = 2008-01-23
}}</ref>

The snowstorm also damaged water supply equipment. For instance, in [[Wuhan]], up to 100,000&nbsp;people were out of running water when several water pipes burst, cutting the supply to local households. In the [[Guangxi]] region, about 239,000 were also having problems accessing drinking water.<ref name = reuteralertnet>{{cite news
 | author = ((Reuters Alertnet))
 | title = CWS appeal: China winter storm response
 | publisher = Reuters Alertnet
 | url = http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/284081/120233093434.htm
 | date = 2008-02-06
}}</ref> Moreover, during the first week, there were significant mandatory evacuations, and an estimated 827,000&nbsp;people were evacuated across fourteen provinces, affecting a total population of about 78&nbsp;million. Over two weeks, according to Xinhua, 1.8&nbsp;million residents were relocated elsewhere.<ref name = nytimesstorm>{{cite news
 | author = French, Howard W.
 | title = Snowstorms in China Kill at Least 24
 | work = The New York Times
 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/world/asia/29china.html?ex=1359262800&en=565240fc8842a484&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
 | date = 2008-01-29
}}</ref><ref name = cnn0129storm>{{cite news
 | author = ((CNN))
 | title =  Crash kills 25 as snow cripples China
 | publisher = CNN.com
 | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/29/china.weather/index.html?imw=Y
 | date = 2008-01-29
}}</ref>
In addition, 870,000 [[pigs]], 450,000 [[sheep]], and 85,000 head of cattle were killed by the storm.<ref name = cnnstorm0204/> In addition, {{convert|18600000|acre|ha|order=flip}} of forest were destroyed, including  {{convert|6800000|acre|ha|order=flip}} of [[bamboo]], {{convert|11500000|acre|ha|order=flip}} of wood, and {{convert|15000|acre|ha|order=flip}} of [[sapling]]s.<ref name = sinaxinhua>[http://english.sina.com/china/1/2008/0213/145647.html 107 People Killed in Winter Storms], [[Xinhua News Agency]], February 13, 2008.</ref> The freak storms were especially painful because they hit warmer parts of China that have little experience with snow. Many communities lacked the necessary equipment to handle the heavy snowfall.

===Transportation===
Transportation was also heavily affected as the storms hit during the busiest travelling season of the year, ''[[Chunyun]],'' preceding the [[Chinese New Year|Lunar New Year]]. Nearly 180 million people travel throughout the country during the holiday.<ref name = ctv0129>{{cite news
 | agency = Associated Press
 | title = Deadly winter storms wallop China
 | publisher = CTV
 | url = http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080129/china_bus_080129/20080129?hub=World
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080214033133/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080129/china_bus_080129/20080129?hub=World
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 14, 2008
 | date = 29 January 2008
}}</ref> According to Xinhua, in early February, millions of Chinese were travelling from the major cities to the countryside to celebrate the Spring Festival, a traditional celebration where the Chinese people return to their families, which fell on 7 February that year.<ref name = cnn0129storm/>

[[Image:Leiyang 200802.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Snowstorm in [[Leiyang]]]]

====Railway====
Heavy snow damaged the [[Jingguang railway]] from Beijing to Guangzhou. Tens of thousands of people (on occasion as many as 500,000 to 800,000 at once) were left stranded at several railway stations across southern China, including [[Guangzhou railway station]]. It was estimated that nearly 6&nbsp;million railway passengers in total were stranded during the period while about 8,000 cargo trains were delayed.<ref name = APLima>{{cite news
 | author = Foreman, William (Associated Press)
 | title = Chinese Workers Suffer in Snowstorms
 | publisher = LimaOhio.com
 | url = http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CHINA_SNOW?SITE=OHLIM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULTThe
 | date = 1 February 2008
}}</ref> Backlogs at that station where people were waiting desperately to return home lasted several days. Many travelers took refuge in an emergency shelter at the China Import and Export Fair exhibition center where at times the mass of people was about the size of three to four entire football fields. Goods were distributed to stranded travelers, including free water bottles and lunch boxes of rice, chicken legs, and cabbages sold at about a dollar each.<ref name = msnbcstorm>{{cite news
 | agency = Associated Press
 | title = China paralyzed by storms, 25 die in bus crash
 | work = NBC News
 | url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22882150
 | date = 2008-01-29
}}</ref>

Red banners were installed at one station encouraging some travelers to abandon their travel plans, and nearly half a million cancelled their trips after lengthy waits. Xinhua reported that 11&nbsp;million migrant workers in the Guangdong area received ticket refunds. Most of the rail service resumed on 31 January, but heavy fog on 3 February caused further delays, particularly in Hunan. The lengthy delays occasionally caused clashes between travelers, police, and soldiers.<ref name=canoe0122>{{cite news
 |agency       = Associated Press
 |title        = China says snow storms have killed 60
 |publisher    = Canoe.ca
 |url          = http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/01/22/4786966-ap.html
 |date         = 2008-01-22
 |access-date  = 2008-02-02
 |archive-url  = https://archive.today/20080201030516/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/01/22/4786966-ap.html
 |archive-date = 2008-02-01
 |url-status     = usurped
}}</ref><ref name = cnnstorm013101>{{cite news
 | author = ((CNN))
 | title =  China advises millions to abandon travel plans
 | publisher = CNN.com
 | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather/index.html
 | date = 2008-01-31
}}</ref><ref name = CNNstorm013102>{{cite news
 | agency = Associated Press
 | title = China rail services resuming
 | publisher = CNN.com
 | url =http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather.trains.ap/index.html
 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080203172313/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather.trains.ap/index.html
 | url-status =dead
 | archive-date =February 3, 2008
 | date = 2008-01-31
}}</ref><ref name = bbcstorm0203>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = Storm-hit China calls for 'faith'
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7224871.stm
 | date = 2008-02-03
}}</ref>

====Highway====
Several main highways including in [[Shanxi]] and Henan as well as [[Jingzhu Expressway]], the main highway connecting the capital Beijing and Guangdong province, were shut down. Seven of the eight highways connecting Hunan and Guangdong were closed, and all public highways in Anhui were closed. The road closures disrupted the transportation of goods across several areas of the country where there were concerns of significant food shortage as the storm also did significant damage to crops.

====Water transport====
[[Image:2008 China storms Anhui.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The extent of the snowfall in [[Anhui]] Province]]
[[Water transportation]] was also affected as 10 boats at the Shanghai port which contained goods were stuck and unable to unload because of the snow.<ref name = heraldtribune>{{cite news
 |author1=Buckley, Chris  |author2=Blanchard, Ben |agency=Reuters
 | title = Winter storms hit the Chinese economy
 | publisher = The International Herald Tribune
 | url = http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/28/business/28chinasnow.php
| archive-url =
https://web.archive.org/web/20080131025439/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/28/business/28chinasnow.php
| archive-date = 31 January 2008
 | date = 28 January 2008}}</ref>

====Airport====
About 60,000 bus riders were stranded on various highways, and 19 major airports in 10 cities were also closed at one point. 10,000 at [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Baiyun Airport]] in Guangzhou were stranded after 55 flights were cancelled. In total, about 3,250 flights were cancelled and another 5,550 were delayed.<ref name = ahnstorm/> All provincial bus services in [[Jiangxi]] were halted. The Chinese Public Safety Ministry mentioned that about 1&nbsp;million police officers were dispatched to keep the roadways open but numerous trucks were stranded in many areas. 100 diesel locomotives were also dispatched to get stranded trains back into service.<ref name = nytimesstorm/><ref name = cnn0129storm/><ref name = bbcstorm0128>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = Chinese freeze strands thousands
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7212823.stm
 | date = 2008-01-28
}}</ref>

===Fatalities===
According to [[CNN]], 63 were killed as of 31 January due to the effects of the storm,<ref name = cnnstorm0201/> many of them because of the cold or collapsed roofs. The toll later rose to at least 107, according to Xinhua.<ref name = sinaxinhua/> Among the fatalities, 11 were killed in a bus accident in Anhui in which the bus flipped into a ditch on January 21.<ref name = bbcstorm0127>{{cite news
 | author = ((BBC News))
 | title = Snow hampers China New Year plans
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7212007.stm
 | date = 27 January 2008
}}</ref> Another crash on 28 January killed at least 25 when a bus plunged into an icy road near [[Zunyi City, China|Zunyi City]]. Three electricians were killed in Hunan while attempting to remove snow and ice from power lines and were named "revolutionary martyrs" by the government.<ref name = cnn0129storm/><ref name = BBCstorm0131>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = Food warnings amid China freeze
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7219092.stm
 | date = 2008-01-31
}}</ref> As there was a gradual restoration of train services, stampedes killed at least one person in Guangzhou.<ref name = bbcstorm0203/> Chinese officials mentioned that medical teams treated about 200 000 sick and injured people while 60 died from the cold.<ref name = bbcstorm0202>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = China warns of more bad weather
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7223694.stm
 | date = 2 February 2008
}}</ref> 11 electricians were also killed while restoring power across the country, but it wasn't clear if they were included in the official death toll of 60&nbsp;people killed in accidents and building collapses blamed on the storms.<ref name = mercurystorm08>{{cite news
 | author = San Jose Mercury News
 | title = 11 electricians killed in China storms
 | publisher = SJMN
 | url = http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8171583
 | date = 5 February 2008
}}</ref>

===Economic impact and costs===
[[Image:2008 China Storm Nanjing Road.JPG|thumb|right|250px|North Zhongshan Road, [[Nanjing]] on 28 January 2008]]
The Chinese economy, which has experienced rapid growth over the past thirty years, was also affected by the winter event. According to the [[BBC]], the country's civil affairs ministry estimated that the costs to the [[Economy of China|country's economy]] were about 54&nbsp;billion [[Chinese yuan]] but the cost rose to 80&nbsp;billion yuan as of February 7.<ref name = bbcstorm0207/><ref>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = China freeze 'has cost billions'
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7221456.stm
 | date = 2008-02-01
 }}</ref> Damage estimates as of February 13 were at about 111&nbsp;billion yuan. Insurance companies across the country received tens of thousands of compensation cases including half a million from the hardest-hit regions.<ref name = sinaxinhua/>

Analysts also mentioned that extensive loss of crops (of over 40,000&nbsp;km²) including fresh vegetables and fruit resulted in substantial inflation of [[food prices]].<ref name = BBCstorm0131/> At least 11 provinces reported significant price increases after the loss of millions of crops. The price for box lunches increased fivefold across many areas in the aftermath. During the month of January, the country's [[producer price index]] hit a three-year high with a rise of 6.1%, including a nearly 30% surge in crude prices, nearly 9% in fuel, raw materials, and power prices, and a 7 to 10% increase in diesel oil, kerosene, and gasoline prices. In addition, food prices climbed by 10% to as much as 18% during the month and significantly affected the [[Consumer Price Index]] (CPI). The [[inflation rate]] itself reached 7.1%, the highest since September 1996 when it hit 7.4%.<ref name = pricesstorm>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title =  China's producer price index hits three-year high
 | publisher = Xinhua.com
 | url = http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-02/18/content_6463333.htm
 | date = 2008-02-18
}}</ref><ref name = bbcinflation>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = China inflation hits 11-year high
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7252010.stm
 | date = 2008-02-19
}}</ref>

In addition, productivity at numerous factories was affected. Among them, steel and aluminum production was scaled back due to a significant shortage of raw materials, and a loss of production of about 50,000 tonnes of lead and zinc was forecasted in Hunan. Telecom companies had significant repair costs as about 10,000&nbsp;kilometers of lines were affected. The Ministry of Information Industry mentioned that this has affected 33&nbsp;million users and cost at least 80&nbsp;million yuan up until 27 January. Other sectors affected were hotels, airlines, and auto sales while other businesses had a disruption in the supply of products because of transportation delays. The Chinese government mentioned that the storm would not have a significant long-term effect on the general economy but would not be without significant short-term problems.<ref name = bbceconomy>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = Snow-hit China has 'new priority'
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7222429.stm
 | date = 2008-02-01
}}</ref><ref name = asiatimeseconomy>{{cite news
 |author1=Jiang, Catherine  |author2=Chung, Olivia
 | title = Inflation gloom in China snow chaos
 | publisher = Asia Times Online
 | url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/JA30Cb01.html
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080513175308/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/JA30Cb01.html
 | url-status = unfit
 | archive-date = 2008-05-13
 | date = 2008-01-30
}}</ref>

The winter weather may have been responsible for a 7% drop in the [[Shanghai Composite Index]] due to concerns about the effects of transport breakdowns and power shortages. However, the storms happened at the same time as significant [[January 2008 stock market volatility|worldwide stock market volatility]] was occurring due to concerns of a [[recession]] in the [[United States]]. Energy-related stocks rose as much as 23% due to the rise in profits because of the weather woes.<ref name = bbcstorm0128/><ref name = bbceconomy/>

===Government response===
[[Image:2008 Shanghai Snow.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Snow in [[Shanghai]]]]
The winter storms marked the largest national mass mobilization since the 2003 [[SARS]] crisis and are comparable in size to the relief efforts of the [[1998 Yangtze River Floods]]. Chinese [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Premier]] [[Wen Jiabao]] issued an apology to citizens regarding the situation in a publicly-televised appearance at a railway station in [[Changsha]], Hunan.<ref name = cbcstorm>{{cite news
 | author = CBC News
 | title = Winter storm sparks travel woes for thousands in China
 | publisher = CBC
 | url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/winter-storm-sparks-travel-woes-for-thousands-in-china-1.759513
 | date = 29 January 2008
}}</ref> He mentioned that the electrical system would be the first to be fixed before restoring normal train operations for Lunar New Year holiday travelers. The severe weather also led to an emergency meeting of the [[Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party]], chaired by [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party|General Secretary]] [[Hu Jintao]], to discuss ways in order to control the situation.<ref name = cnn0129storm/>

About 300,000 troops and 1.1&nbsp;million reservists were deployed to assist relief efforts and snow removal across various parts of affected regions.<ref name = BBCstorm0131/><ref name = bbcstorm0202/> The government also announced a $700&nbsp;million (2008 [[United States Dollar|USD]]) plan for helping farmers who had their crops destroyed by the winter weather.<ref name = cnnstorm0201>{{cite news
 | author = ((CNN))
 | title =  Chaos as Chinese travelers stampede stations
 | publisher = CNN.com
 | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/01/china.weather/index.html
 | date = 1 February 2008
}}</ref> In addition, the government spent over 330&nbsp;million yuan for local disaster relief operations.<ref name = ahnstorm/> On 1 February, Premier Wen held a [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council]] meeting to discuss matters related to the snowstorms, and immediately afterward flew out to Hunan to inspect relief efforts. General Secretary and President Hu visited various coal mines to urge them to help end power shortages.<ref name = xinhuastorm0202>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title = Leaders' visits boost morale amid China's winter-weather crisis
 | publisher = Xinhuanet.com
 | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/02/content_7547621.htm
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080207213717/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/02/content_7547621.htm
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 7, 2008
 | date = 2008-02-02
}}</ref>

There were also reports that China would invest significantly in better forecasting and cooperation between weather departments in the event of future storms as there were reports of criticism of the weather agencies. According to the [[China Meteorological Administration]], there are plans to invest nearly 2&nbsp;billion yuan (US$300&nbsp;million) for the improvement of the weather forecasting work, which was reportedly approved by the State Council.<ref name = xinhuastorm0130>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua News Agency
 | title = Forecaster: China's winter storm to continue
 | publisher = Xinhuanet.com
 | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/30/content_7525248.htm
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080203133102/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/30/content_7525248.htm
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 3, 2008
 | date = 30 January 2008
}}</ref>

In addition, several weather experts from the meteorological office said that the country was not properly prepared to face a winter weather event of this magnitude. Some had praised northern parts of the country for their emergency plans in unusual weather. but have criticized those from the southern parts. The Chinese Meteorological Administration also added that officials were not expecting such a lengthy episode of severe winter weather with an extensive impact across a large area.<ref name = bbcstorm0204>{{cite news
 | author = BBC News
 | title = China 'not ready' for snow crisis
 | publisher = BBC
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7226002.stm
 | date = 4 February 2008
}}</ref>

==Foreign and interior aid==
The Red Cross Society of China reported that they received at least 60&nbsp;million yuan in donations and provided donations of food, medicine, quilts, coats, and tents. In addition, some other events, including an opera performance, raised additional funds for the areas affected.<ref name = donationsxinhua>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title = China red cross donations reach 60 mln yuan
 | publisher = Xinuanet.com
 | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7577025.htm
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080208161720/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7577025.htm
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 8, 2008
 | date = 2008-02-06
}}</ref> In addition, several foreign countries across the world had offered monetary assistance for the relief efforts.
*{{flag|Mongolia}}n government has offered US$43,000 in aid for snow disaster relief.<ref name = xinhuamongolia>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title = Mongolia offers aid to China to fight snow disaster
 | publisher = Xinhuanet.com
 | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7578228.htm
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080213124336/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7578228.htm
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 13, 2008
 | date = 2008-02-06
}}</ref>
*{{flag|Singapore}}an government pledged US$500,000 in emergency aid to China's foreign ministry.<ref name = singaporeusaid>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title = Singapore, U.S. pledge emergency aid to Chinese snow-ravaged regions
 | publisher = Xinhuanet.com
 | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/04/content_7566822.htm
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080209223524/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/04/content_7566822.htm
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 9, 2008
 | date = 2008-02-04
}}</ref>
*{{flag|Syria}}n government pledged US$100,000 in emergency aid to China.<ref name = xinhuasyria>{{cite news
 | author = Xinhua
 | title = More countries, int'l organizations express sympathy to China over snow havoc
 | publisher = Xinhuanet.com
 | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/05/content_7575018.htm
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080213112205/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/05/content_7575018.htm
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = February 13, 2008
 | date = 2008-02-05
}}</ref>
*{{flag|United States}} government has said it will give US$150,000 in emergency aid to China via the [[Red Cross Society of China|Chinese Red Cross]].<ref name = singaporeusaid/>
*{{flag|Hong Kong}} and {{flag|Macau}} donated a significant amount to the relief crisis. Local newspapers in the [[Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China|Special administrative region]] tried to increase the people's awareness of donations.<ref name=Singtao1>Singtao newspaper February 6, 2008. Section A-14.</ref>  On March 7, 2008, the PRC [[paramount leader]] Hu Jintao publicly responded and thanked the region in a 15-minute speech.<ref>HK Standard. "[http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=12&art_id=62721&sid=17950292&con_type=3 HK Standard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415184232/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=12&art_id=62721&sid=17950292&con_type=3 |date=2009-04-15 }}." ''Unite the people, Hu tells HK delegates.'' Retrieved on 2008-03-06.</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
!| Donation source
!| Amount
|-
| Hong Kong and Macau businesspeople including: <br>[[Cheung Chung-kiu]] ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|張松橋}})<br>[[Francis Choi]]<br>[[Cheng Yu-tung]]<br>[[Thomas Lau]]<br>[[Joseph Lau]]<br>[[Charles Ho]] ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|何柱國}}, Sing Tao News)<br>[[Pansy Ho]]<br>[[Peter Lam]]<br>[[Albert Yeung]]<br>[[Robert Ng]]|| [[HK$]]10&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| Hong Kong government relief fund ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|香港政府賑災基金}}) || [[HK$]]13,430,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| Shimao Property ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|世茂房地產控股有限公司}}) || [[HK$]]10&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[Tong Ren Tang]] || [[HK$]]3&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| Hong Kong Syun Ming Association ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|香港宣明會}}) || [[HK$]]4&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[CLP Group]] || [[HK$]]1&nbsp;million
<ref name=Singtao1 /><ref>CLPgroupomment. "[https://www.clpgroup.com/Media/CurRel/news/Pages/20080205_01.aspx?lang=en CLPgroup] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121217124336/https://www.clpgroup.com/Media/CurRel/news/Pages/20080205_01.aspx?lang=en |date=2012-12-17 }}." ''CLP Pledges HK$1 million Towards Snow Storm Relief Efforts in Mainland China.'' Retrieved on 2008-02-17.</ref>
|-
| [[Bank of East Asia]] || [[HK$]]1&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| Manufacturer's Association ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|廠商會}}) || [[HK$]]800,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[China Merchants Holdings (International)]] || [[HK$]]50,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[Hong Kong government|HK government staff]] || [[HK$]]503,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison|PLA HK Garrison fund]] || [[HK$]]300,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[Hong Kong Red Cross]] || [[HK$]]32&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[Hong Kong Jockey Club]] || [[HK$]]10&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| Chinese Enterprise Association ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|中國企業協會}}) || [[HK$]]4&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[Bank of China (Hong Kong)|Bank of China charity]] || [[HK$]]3&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| Megaman HK ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|曼佳美}}) || [[HK$]]1&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[Ocean Park Hong Kong]] || [[HK$]]1&nbsp;million<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| HK Shanghai Chamber of Commerce ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|上海商會}})|| [[HK$]]500,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong]] || [[HK$]]275,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| Ten Percent Donation Scheme Foundation ({{lang|zh-Hant-HK|拾巴仙布施計劃}})|| [[HK$]]200,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
| [[Association of Chartered Certified Accountants]] || [[HK$]]100,000<ref name=Singtao1 />
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[Winter storms of 2007-08]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikinews|China's winter weather threatens food supplies}}
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7213852.stm Images of the winter events (via BBC)]

[[Category:2008 natural disasters|Chinese winter storms]]
[[Category:Blizzards in Asia]]
[[Category:Weather events in China|2008 storms]]
[[Category:2008 disasters in China|Winter storms]]
[[Category:January 2008 in Asia]]
[[Category:February 2008 in Asia]]
[[Category:January 2008 in China]]
[[Category:February 2008 in China]]