2008 Chinese winter storms

Series of natural disasters in China 2008 Chinese winter storms Chinasnowstorm2008_bijie.jpg Residents battle China's worstwinter storm in 50 years 25 January 2008 BBC News Snow-hit China welcomes New Year BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7231622.stm 2008-02-07 6 February 2008At least 151.65 billion Chinese yuan ($21.94 billion US$)zh129 People Killed, 4 Missing in Winter Storms, Xinhua News Agency, February 23, 2008. At least 129 Hubei, Hunan, Zhejiang, Guizhou, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Fujian, Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shanxi, Sichuan The 2008 Chinese winter storms (zh-Hans-CN 2008年中国雪灾、2008年中国南方雪灾) were a series of winter storm events that affected large portions of southern and central China, where it does not usually snow severely or extensively, starting from 25 January 2008, until 6 February 2008. The systems affected most of the area with heavy snows, ice, and cold temperatures causing extensive damage and transportation disruption for several thousand travelers. It became China's worst winter weather in half a century. According to some media sources, the storms were directly responsible for at least 129 deaths. Cold snap and blizzard The severe winter events started on 10 January when a large dome of cold air enveloped most parts of China, causing much precipitation in the form of heavy snow west of the coastal areas, where the temperature dropped to slightly below 0 °C (32 °F). The provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, and the municipality of Shanghai were hardest hit. Some received their worst snowstorms in seventeen years while some experienced their worst in five decades. After the first wave of precipitation had passed, the snow continued to fall for several days, accompanied by bitterly cold weather.Bodeen, Christopher (Associated Press) Heavy snow blamed for 15 deaths in China http://cnews.canoe.com/CNEWS/World/2008/01/20/4784056-ap.html 2008-01-20 April 2026 medicmedic Associated Press Winter storm chaos grips China USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/winter/2008-01-29-china-snow_N.htm 29 January 2008 Snow was even reported in the country's largest true desert, the Taklamakan, where the snow and record low temperatures near -25 C F 0 lasted 11 consecutive days and killed livestock. At one point, the temperature dropped to -32 C F 0, breaking the January 2006 record of -26.1 C F. However, the historical temperature series in this observatory is very short (started in 1996). The snow depth exceeded 4 cm in at times in the center of the desert according to the Tazhong Observatory. According to Xinhua, it was the first time that snow covered the entire desert simultaneously. Xinhua China's biggest desert Taklamakan experiences record snow Xinhuanet.com http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/01/content_7544946.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080208090206/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/01/content_7544946.htm dead February 8, 2008 2008-02-01 Causes According to scientists at China's National Climate Center and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), these winter storms in China have been mainly related to abnormal atmospheric circulation and La Niña, and are not directly linked to climate change. Perry, Michael China's snow storms, not climate change-scientists Reuters UK http://uk.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUKSYD222109._CH_.242020080131 https://web.archive.org/web/20080206171303/http://uk.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUKSYD222109._CH_.242020080131 dead 6 February 2008 31 January 2008 The China Meteorological Administration mentioned that the 2007-08 winter was the coldest recorded across the country since 1986-87, with one month during the winter storm event that was 2.5 degrees Celsius below normal. Xinhua China experiences coldest winter in two decades ChinaDaily.com https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-02/18/content_6464154.htm 2008-02-18 Effects thumb|250px|Provinces affected by the snow storm: #00B4FF Severely affected #C8FFFF Affected Damage The snowstorm caused extensive damage to many low-rise buildings, the roofs of which collapsed, killing occupants inside. It was estimated that about 223,000 homes were destroyed and 862,000 others were damaged. CNN also reported that a 500 meter-long auto plant in Xiangtan had its entire roof collapse. ((CNN)) New devastation emerges in China CNN.com http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/04/china.weather/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080205054442/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/04/china.weather/index.html dead February 5, 2008 4 February 2008 Hernandez, Vittorio Three-Week Massive Snow Storm Costs Chinese Economy $7.5 Billion All Headline News http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009905178 2008-02-01 2008-02-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080213035103/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009905178 2008-02-13 dead The power system of China was also severely affected by adverse conditions. Widespread power outages were reported. In Chenzhou, which has a population of 4.6 million, it was reported that the entire city had no power or water for nearly two weeks, including government buildings and hospitals, while telecommunications cables and Internet networks were also damaged.Jian, Yang Chen, Lydia Crisis in Chenzhou – No power or water The Shanghai Daily http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200801/20080131/article_347436.htm 31 January 2008 In Fuzhou, Jiangxi, it was reported that the city lost power for about 3 weeks. At one point, seventeen of the thirty-one provinces and autonomous regions of China had to endure reduced power supplies. Beginning 1 February, all of Shanghai's skyline night lights were shut off to support relief efforts and were not resumed until the storm was declared officially over. In Guizhou, officials said it could take up to five months to mend the power grid fully. Xinhua reported that electricity across most of the 170 worst-hit counties was restored by the Chinese New Year. Coal reserves were also down to emergency levels and stockpiles were only sufficient for eight days of power generation. ((BBC News)) China in power shortage warning BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7204841.stm 2008-01-23 The snowstorm also damaged water supply equipment. For instance, in Wuhan, up to 100,000 people were out of running water when several water pipes burst, cutting the supply to local households. In the Guangxi region, about 239,000 were also having problems accessing drinking water. ((Reuters Alertnet)) CWS appeal: China winter storm response Reuters Alertnet http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/284081/120233093434.htm 2008-02-06 Moreover, during the first week, there were significant mandatory evacuations, and an estimated 827,000 people were evacuated across fourteen provinces, affecting a total population of about 78 million. Over two weeks, according to Xinhua, 1.8 million residents were relocated elsewhere. French, Howard W. Snowstorms in China Kill at Least 24 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/world/asia/29china.html?ex=1359262800&en=565240fc8842a484&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss 2008-01-29 ((CNN)) Crash kills 25 as snow cripples China CNN.com https://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/29/china.weather/index.html?imw=Y 2008-01-29 In addition, 870,000 pigs, 450,000 sheep, and 85,000 head of cattle were killed by the storm. In addition, 18600000 acre ha flip of forest were destroyed, including 6800000 acre ha flip of bamboo, 11500000 acre ha flip of wood, and 15000 acre ha flip of saplings.107 People Killed in Winter Storms, Xinhua News Agency, February 13, 2008. The freak storms were especially painful because they hit warmer parts of China that have little experience with snow. Many communities lacked the necessary equipment to handle the heavy snowfall. Transportation Transportation was also heavily affected as the storms hit during the busiest travelling season of the year, Chunyun, preceding the Lunar New Year. Nearly 180 million people travel throughout the country during the holiday. Associated Press Deadly winter storms wallop China CTV http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080129/china_bus_080129/20080129?hub=World https://web.archive.org/web/20080214033133/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080129/china_bus_080129/20080129?hub=World dead February 14, 2008 29 January 2008 According to Xinhua, in early February, millions of Chinese were travelling from the major cities to the countryside to celebrate the Spring Festival, a traditional celebration where the Chinese people return to their families, which fell on 7 February that year. thumb|right|250px|Snowstorm in Leiyang Railway Heavy snow damaged the Jingguang railway from Beijing to Guangzhou. Tens of thousands of people (on occasion as many as 500,000 to 800,000 at once) were left stranded at several railway stations across southern China, including Guangzhou railway station. It was estimated that nearly 6 million railway passengers in total were stranded during the period while about 8,000 cargo trains were delayed. Foreman, William (Associated Press) Chinese Workers Suffer in Snowstorms LimaOhio.com http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CHINA_SNOW?SITE=OHLIM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULTThe 1 February 2008 Backlogs at that station where people were waiting desperately to return home lasted several days. Many travelers took refuge in an emergency shelter at the China Import and Export Fair exhibition center where at times the mass of people was about the size of three to four entire football fields. Goods were distributed to stranded travelers, including free water bottles and lunch boxes of rice, chicken legs, and cabbages sold at about a dollar each. Associated Press China paralyzed by storms, 25 die in bus crash NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22882150 2008-01-29 Red banners were installed at one station encouraging some travelers to abandon their travel plans, and nearly half a million cancelled their trips after lengthy waits. Xinhua reported that 11 million migrant workers in the Guangdong area received ticket refunds. Most of the rail service resumed on 31 January, but heavy fog on 3 February caused further delays, particularly in Hunan. The lengthy delays occasionally caused clashes between travelers, police, and soldiers. Associated Press China says snow storms have killed 60 Canoe.ca http://cnews.canoe.com/CNEWS/World/2008/01/22/4786966-ap.html 2008-01-22 2008-02-02 April 2026 medicmedic ((CNN)) China advises millions to abandon travel plans CNN.com https://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather/index.html 2008-01-31 Associated Press China rail services resuming CNN.com http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather.trains.ap/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080203172313/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather.trains.ap/index.html dead February 3, 2008 2008-01-31 BBC News Storm-hit China calls for 'faith' BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7224871.stm 2008-02-03 Highway Several main highways including in Shanxi and Henan as well as Jingzhu Expressway, the main highway connecting the capital Beijing and Guangdong province, were shut down. Seven of the eight highways connecting Hunan and Guangdong were closed, and all public highways in Anhui were closed. The road closures disrupted the transportation of goods across several areas of the country where there were concerns of significant food shortage as the storm also did significant damage to crops. Water transport thumb|right|250px|The extent of the snowfall in Anhui Province Water transportation was also affected as 10 boats at the Shanghai port which contained goods were stuck and unable to unload because of the snow.Buckley, Chris Blanchard, Ben Reuters Winter storms hit the Chinese economy The International Herald Tribune http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/28/business/28chinasnow.php https://web.archive.org/web/20080131025439/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/28/business/28chinasnow.php 31 January 2008 28 January 2008 Airport About 60,000 bus riders were stranded on various highways, and 19 major airports in 10 cities were also closed at one point. 10,000 at Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou were stranded after 55 flights were cancelled. In total, about 3,250 flights were cancelled and another 5,550 were delayed. All provincial bus services in Jiangxi were halted. The Chinese Public Safety Ministry mentioned that about 1 million police officers were dispatched to keep the roadways open but numerous trucks were stranded in many areas. 100 diesel locomotives were also dispatched to get stranded trains back into service. BBC News Chinese freeze strands thousands BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7212823.stm 2008-01-28 Fatalities According to CNN, 63 were killed as of 31 January due to the effects of the storm, many of them because of the cold or collapsed roofs. The toll later rose to at least 107, according to Xinhua. Among the fatalities, 11 were killed in a bus accident in Anhui in which the bus flipped into a ditch on January 21. ((BBC News)) Snow hampers China New Year plans BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7212007.stm 27 January 2008 Another crash on 28 January killed at least 25 when a bus plunged into an icy road near Zunyi City. Three electricians were killed in Hunan while attempting to remove snow and ice from power lines and were named "revolutionary martyrs" by the government. BBC News Food warnings amid China freeze BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7219092.stm 2008-01-31 As there was a gradual restoration of train services, stampedes killed at least one person in Guangzhou. Chinese officials mentioned that medical teams treated about 200,000 sick and injured people while 60 died from the cold. BBC News China warns of more bad weather BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7223694.stm 2 February 2008 11 electricians were also killed while restoring power across the country, but it wasn't clear if they were included in the official death toll of 60 people killed in accidents and building collapses blamed on the storms. San Jose Mercury News 11 electricians killed in China storms SJMN http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8171583 5 February 2008 Economic impact and costs thumb|right|250px|North Zhongshan Road, Nanjing on 28 January 2008 The Chinese economy, which has experienced rapid growth over the past thirty years, was also affected by the winter event. According to the BBC, the country's civil affairs ministry estimated that the costs to the country's economy were about 54 billion Chinese yuan but the cost rose to 80 billion yuan as of February 7. BBC News China freeze 'has cost billions' BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7221456.stm 2008-02-01 Damage estimates as of February 13 were at about 111 billion yuan. Insurance companies across the country received tens of thousands of compensation cases including half a million from the hardest-hit regions. Analysts also mentioned that extensive loss of crops (of over 40,000 km²) including fresh vegetables and fruit resulted in substantial inflation of food prices. At least 11 provinces reported significant price increases after the loss of millions of crops. The price for box lunches increased fivefold across many areas in the aftermath. During the month of January, the country's producer price index hit a three-year high with a rise of 6.1%, including a nearly 30% surge in crude prices, nearly 9% in fuel, raw materials, and power prices, and a 7 to 10% increase in diesel oil, kerosene, and gasoline prices. In addition, food prices climbed by 10% to as much as 18% during the month and significantly affected the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The inflation rate itself reached 7.1%, the highest since September 1996 when it hit 7.4%. Xinhua China's producer price index hits three-year high Xinhua.com https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-02/18/content_6463333.htm 2008-02-18 BBC News China inflation hits 11-year high BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7252010.stm 2008-02-19 In addition, productivity at numerous factories was affected. Among them, steel and aluminum production was scaled back due to a significant shortage of raw materials, and a loss of production of about 50,000 tonnes of lead and zinc was forecasted in Hunan. Telecom companies had significant repair costs as about 10,000 kilometers of lines were affected. The Ministry of Information Industry mentioned that this has affected 33 million users and cost at least 80 million yuan up until 27 January. Other sectors affected were hotels, airlines, and auto sales while other businesses had a disruption in the supply of products because of transportation delays. The Chinese government mentioned that the storm would not have a significant long-term effect on the general economy but would not be without significant short-term problems. BBC News Snow-hit China has 'new priority' BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7222429.stm 2008-02-01Jiang, Catherine Chung, Olivia Inflation gloom in China snow chaos Asia Times Online http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/JA30Cb01.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080513175308/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/JA30Cb01.html unfit 2008-05-13 2008-01-30 The winter weather may have been responsible for a 7% drop in the Shanghai Composite Index due to concerns about the effects of transport breakdowns and power shortages. However, the storms happened at the same time as significant worldwide stock market volatility was occurring due to concerns of a recession in the United States. Energy-related stocks rose as much as 23% due to the rise in profits because of the weather woes. Government response thumb|right|250px|Snow in Shanghai The winter storms marked the largest national mass mobilization since the 2003 SARS crisis and are comparable in size to the relief efforts of the 1998 Yangtze River Floods. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao issued an apology to citizens regarding the situation in a publicly-televised appearance at a railway station in Changsha, Hunan. CBC News Winter storm sparks travel woes for thousands in China CBC https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/winter-storm-sparks-travel-woes-for-thousands-in-china-1.759513 29 January 2008 He mentioned that the electrical system would be the first to be fixed before restoring normal train operations for Lunar New Year holiday travelers. The severe weather also led to an emergency meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, chaired by General Secretary Hu Jintao, to discuss ways in order to control the situation. About 300,000 troops and 1.1 million reservists were deployed to assist relief efforts and snow removal across various parts of affected regions. The government also announced a $700 million (2008 USD) plan for helping farmers who had their crops destroyed by the winter weather. ((CNN)) Chaos as Chinese travelers stampede stations CNN.com https://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/01/china.weather/index.html 1 February 2008 In addition, the government spent over 330 million yuan for local disaster relief operations. On 1 February, Premier Wen held a State Council meeting to discuss matters related to the snowstorms, and immediately afterward flew out to Hunan to inspect relief efforts. General Secretary and President Hu visited various coal mines to urge them to help end power shortages. Xinhua Leaders' visits boost morale amid China's winter-weather crisis Xinhuanet.com http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/02/content_7547621.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080207213717/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/02/content_7547621.htm dead February 7, 2008 2008-02-02 There were also reports that China would invest significantly in better forecasting and cooperation between weather departments in the event of future storms as there were reports of criticism of the weather agencies. According to the China Meteorological Administration, there are plans to invest nearly 2 billion yuan (US$300 million) for the improvement of the weather forecasting work, which was reportedly approved by the State Council. Xinhua News Agency Forecaster: China's winter storm to continue Xinhuanet.com http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/30/content_7525248.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080203133102/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/30/content_7525248.htm dead February 3, 2008 30 January 2008 In addition, several weather experts from the meteorological office said that the country was not properly prepared to face a winter weather event of this magnitude. Some had praised northern parts of the country for their emergency plans in unusual weather. but have criticized those from the southern parts. The Chinese Meteorological Administration also added that officials were not expecting such a lengthy episode of severe winter weather with an extensive impact across a large area. BBC News China 'not ready' for snow crisis BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7226002.stm 4 February 2008 Foreign and interior aid The Red Cross Society of China reported that they received at least 60 million yuan in donations and provided donations of food, medicine, quilts, coats, and tents. In addition, some other events, including an opera performance, raised additional funds for the areas affected. Xinhua China red cross donations reach 60 mln yuan Xinuanet.com http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7577025.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080208161720/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7577025.htm dead February 8, 2008 2008-02-06 In addition, several foreign countries across the world had offered monetary assistance for the relief efforts. Mongolian government has offered US$43,000 in aid for snow disaster relief. Xinhua Mongolia offers aid to China to fight snow disaster Xinhuanet.com http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7578228.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080213124336/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7578228.htm dead February 13, 2008 2008-02-06 Singaporean government pledged US$500,000 in emergency aid to China's foreign ministry. Xinhua Singapore, U.S. pledge emergency aid to Chinese snow-ravaged regions Xinhuanet.com http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/04/content_7566822.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080209223524/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/04/content_7566822.htm dead February 9, 2008 2008-02-04 Syria 1980n government pledged US$100,000 in emergency aid to China. Xinhua More countries, int'l organizations express sympathy to China over snow havoc Xinhuanet.com http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/05/content_7575018.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080213112205/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/05/content_7575018.htm dead February 13, 2008 2008-02-05 United States government has said it will give US$150,000 in emergency aid to China via the Chinese Red Cross. Hong Kong and Macau donated a significant amount to the relief crisis. Local newspapers in the Special administrative region tried to increase the people's awareness of donations.Singtao newspaper February 6, 2008. Section A-14. On March 7, 2008, the PRC paramount leader Hu Jintao publicly responded and thanked the region in a 15-minute speech.HK Standard. "HK Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20090415184232/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=12&art_id=62721&sid=17950292&con_type=3 2009-04-15 ." Unite the people, Hu tells HK delegates. Retrieved on 2008-03-06. Donation source Amount Hong Kong and Macau businesspeople including: Cheung Chung-kiu (zh-Hant-HK 張松橋)Francis ChoiCheng Yu-tungThomas LauJoseph LauCharles Ho (zh-Hant-HK 何柱國, Sing Tao News)Pansy HoPeter LamAlbert YeungRobert Ng HK$10 million Hong Kong government relief fund (zh-Hant-HK 香港政府賑災基金) HK$13,430,000 Shimao Property (zh-Hant-HK 世茂房地產控股有限公司) HK$10 million Tong Ren Tang HK$3 million Hong Kong Syun Ming Association (zh-Hant-HK 香港宣明會) HK$4 million CLP Group HK$1 million CLPgroupomment. "CLPgroup https://archive.today/20121217124336/https://www.clpgroup.com/Media/CurRel/news/Pages/20080205_01.aspx?lang=en 2012-12-17 ." CLP Pledges HK$1 million Towards Snow Storm Relief Efforts in Mainland China. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. Bank of East Asia HK$1 million Manufacturer's Association (zh-Hant-HK 廠商會) HK$800,000 China Merchants Holdings (International) HK$50,000 HK government staff HK$503,000 PLA HK Garrison fund HK$300,000 Hong Kong Red Cross HK$32 million Hong Kong Jockey Club HK$10 million Chinese Enterprise Association (zh-Hant-HK 中國企業協會) HK$4 million Bank of China charity HK$3 million Megaman HK (zh-Hant-HK 曼佳美) HK$1 million Ocean Park Hong Kong HK$1 million HK Shanghai Chamber of Commerce (zh-Hant-HK 上海商會) HK$500,000 The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong HK$275,000 Ten Percent Donation Scheme Foundation (zh-Hant-HK 拾巴仙布施計劃) HK$200,000 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants HK$100,000 See also Winter storms of 2007-08 References 2 External links China's winter weather threatens food supplies Images of the winter events (via BBC) Chinese winter storms Category:Blizzards in Asia 2008 storms Winter storms Category:January 2008 in Asia Category:February 2008 in Asia Category:January 2008 in China Category:February 2008 in China