China's local gov'ts asked to ensure water, heating supply amid cold weather

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Local governments at all levels should make practical efforts to cope with cold weather and heavy snows, according to China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

The ministry issued a notification, asking local governments to ensure supplies of water, gas, and thermal heating in urban areas, and ensure coal supply for heat enterprises.

Snow and ice on roads and bridges should be cleared and outdoor construction should be stopped in severe weather, in a bid to ensure the safety of people and vehicles and prevent from casualties.

China embraced severe cold weather and heavy snows this winter, with almost all of north China expected to experience continuing low temperatures and gales, according to weather forecast of the National Meteorological Administration on Sunday.

The northwestern, northeastern and northern regions of China are to see gales of 4-6 degrees; in Xinjiang, wind could be as strong as 8 degrees.

Meanwhile, almost all of southern China will be covered by snow and rain, with Hubei and Anhui expecting storms, according to the forecast.