Over 420 dead in Europe cold spell

CNTV, February 9, 2012

 

The cold spell sweeping across Europe, has killed more than 420 people since late January, many of them homeless. Weather reports forecast more snow and plunging temperatures for the week.

Over 420 dead in Europe cold spell.

The snow has thrown transportation out of gear, blocked arterial roads, and cut off remote villages in many areas.

Ukraine has seen the highest number of victims in eastern Europe -- at 135. About 1,600 people have been hospitalized.

In Poland, nine people have died since Sunday, bringing the death toll to over 100.

A small town in Czech Republic bordering Germany has recorded its lowest temperature of minus 39.4 degrees Celsius.

Blizzards in Bulgaria subsided, only to be hit by torrential rain and floods. At least eight people drowned in the countrys south.

In Serbia, icebreakers were summoned from Hungary in an attempt to keep the Danube flowing.

While army demolition experts sought to dynamite ice barriers that threatened to cause flooding on tributary rivers.