Heavy continuous snowfall has caused five avalanches in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, burying more than 200 cars in Guozigou, a resort located in the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, according to local police yesterday.

The avalanches occurred early Wednesday morning at the Guozigou section of the No. 312 National Highway. Most of the trapped cars were driven from Urumqi.

The thick snow in the Ili Valley has also obstructed the transportation of fodder for livestock. Some 3.5 million heads of cattle face starvation.

(China.org.cn, Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2006)