Heavy snowfall has blanketed central and eastern China since Wednesday, leading to significant transport disruptions during the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. The unexpected weather has affected millions of travelers as they make their way home for family reunions, a tradition deeply embedded in Chinese culture.
The National Meteorological Center on Sunday renewed its orange alert for snowstorms in several regions, predicting heavy snow in the provinces of Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shandong. The orange alert is the second-highest level in China’s four-tier weather warning system, indicating that significant disruptions to daily life and travel are expected.
In Hubei Province, freezing rain and snow over the past few days have caused numerous flight cancellations and delays at major airports, while railway services have also been affected. Wuhan City, the provincial capital and a crucial transportation hub, has seen a surge in stranded passengers. Authorities are working tirelessly to clear ice and snow from roads and tracks to restore normal traffic flow.
“We have deployed additional staff and resources to ensure the safety of passengers,” said Li Wei, a spokesperson for the Wuhan transportation department. “Our teams are on 24-hour standby to deal with emergencies and provide assistance where needed.”
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China, prompting the world’s largest annual human migration. This year, the travel period, known as “Chunyun,” is expected to see billions of trips made by road, rail, and air despite the challenges posed by the severe weather.
Local governments in the affected regions have activated emergency response plans. In Henan Province, authorities have dispatched snowplows and de-icing equipment to keep highways open. Residents have been advised to limit travel and stay updated on weather forecasts.
Economic analysts are monitoring the situation closely, as prolonged disruptions could impact regional economies. “Transport delays can affect supply chains and retail sales during a peak consumption period,” noted Zhang Min, an economist at the China Economic Research Institute.
The National Meteorological Center has urged citizens to take precautions against the cold and to prepare for possible power outages due to the heavy snow. The authorities are emphasizing community support, encouraging neighbors to assist the elderly and those in need.
As the snowfall continues, the resilience and adaptability of the Chinese people are once again on display. Communities are coming together to face the challenges, embodying the spirit of unity that the Spring Festival celebrates.
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Live: China's response to extreme snow amid China's travel rush
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