Eastern Asia is suffering the coldest weather in decades, with temperatures plummeting to unusually low levels. This has been contributed mostly by the frigid air getting blasted from the Arctic.
As reports reveal, even parts of Southeast Asia are suffering the same conditions. Stretching from India to Japan, sleet, snow and icy winds across the entire region have caused flight cancellations, death and chaos, especially over the weekends as areas that enjoyed balmier climates struggled with record-breaking low temperatures.
Meteorologists disclosed that as the cold air swept across Eastern Asia, it then continued south, making Shanghai's temperature remain below freezing point since 3 am on Saturday night. At this time of the year, the temperature of the same place is usually around 8C, but on Sunday, the highest figure recorded remained at -4C.
In Chongqing, it was unexpected for residents to find snow on their doorsteps, a phenomenon that happened close to two decades ago, in 1996. The unusual weather went on paralyzing major parts of the city, leaving flights cancelled and travelers stranded at airports.
Meanwhile, the southeastern province of Fujian got covered in thick ice. Power lines snapped, and trees bowed, an incident which caused numerous power cuts.
The southern parts were not forgiven by the harsh weather still. Taipei's daytime temperature plummeted from 15C to 8C while that of Hong Kong dropped steadily since Thursday.
Even worse, deaths were reported in various parts affected by the cold snap. As of Sunday evening, 85 people died in Taiwan owing to the freezing conditions. Most of those who died were elderly people residing in the northern regions, such as Taoyuan and Taipei, with a diagnosis of hypothermia and cardiac disease, BBC reported.
In South Korea, the conditions were worse, considering its geographical location. Over 500 international and domestic flights have been cancelled up to now. This left thousands of tourists stranded at the weekend with local officials struggling to find transport and accommodation, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Things were not as good in Japan where snow storms remained rampant, leading to the cancellation of 600 domestic flights on Sunday and Monday. Even more, five people died while 100 more got injured on Sunday due to the harsh weather.
Although conditions are expected to improve, governments and organizations continue to warn people about safety.
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