The China National Meteorological Center (NMC) urged the country to prepare for harsh winter.

On Friday the State Council issued a circular calling the country to be well prepared for freezing rain and snow disasters and snow storms.

Over the past month, heavy snow or blizzard have hit many north China provinces and regions, while Hunan, Guizhou and some other south China provinces suffered freezing rain or snow related complication.

The State Council's circular asked related departments to reinforce weather monitoring and forecast, take measures to ensure the safety of communications, transportation and power supply facilities.

Between January 10 to February 2 of 2008, south China provinces were hit by freezing rain and snow four times in succession, crippling transportation, power and coal supply and other facilities in wide areas. The lives of more than 100 million people seriously affected.

(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2009)