Intense cold wave grips Europe

Malaysia Sun (ANI) Tuesday 7th February, 2012

Europe continues to battle the intense cold and heavy snowfall and it is expected that the weather will stay the same till the end of the week.

According to the web site accuweather.com, as of Sunday, at least 297 people have died in Ukraine, Poland, Italy and France.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation website said that in Ukraine, alone, 131 people have died, while 1,800 people have been hospitalized. About 75,000 others have sought warm shelter and food.

The death toll in Poland is 53. The Netherlands recorded its lowest temperature in 27 years. According to the BBC, temperatures in the town of Lelystad reached -21.8 degrees C, or -7 degrees F, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, heavy snow cover left villages snowbound and snarled transportation in southern Europe.

In Serbia, an emergency has been declared after nearly 70,000 villagers were reportedly cut off from the rest of Europe.

Snow in Rome has all but halted normal life in the city. Snow also hit the U.K., where London's busy Heathrow Airport suffered major disruption its flight schedule.

Even northwest Africa suffered harsh winter weather as biting winds from Europe crossed its shores.

In Algeria, where at least 16 people have died, snow fell on the capital and port city, Algiers. The highland area of Kabylia was left isolated by snow. Snow also fell in neighboring Tunisia.

Meanwhile, Romania's Prime Minister Emil Boc has resigned in the wake of 34 deaths. (ANI)