This is spring? Snow slams Harbin
Source: Xinhua |
April 14, 2010, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province was hit by the biggest snowstorm of the year yesterday, with roads and air traffic disrupted and schools closed.
Meteorological authorities in Harbin issued the first snowstorm red alert of this year early in the morning, saying the snow would continue with precipitation of 15 millimeters over six hours.
Yuan Meiying, chief weather forecaster with the provincial meteorological station, said the snowstorm starting Monday hit 17 counties and cities in the province.
Harbin was among the worst hit, with 28 millimeters of precipitation falling from 8am Monday to 8am yesterday.
"The snow on the ground is above my ankles. It is difficult to walk downtown," said a Harbin resident surnamed Liu.
The municipal education bureau issued an urgent notice ordering the closure of primary and middle schools for today. However, many schools in Harbin had already closed voluntarily yesterday morning.
"So far, only schools in Harbin were closed. The provincial education bureau has allowed storm-hit cities like Jiamusi, Suihua, Hegang and Yichun to make an independent decision about canceling classes if necessary," said Han Yanping, an official with the provincial education bureau.
The Taiping International Airport in Harbin has been closed since 5:30pm Monday, stranding over 2,400 passengers, according to Li Feng, spokesman with the airport command and rescue center.
He said 23 flights were canceled and another 53 delayed by yesterday noon.
"The continuing snowfall accompanied with a strong gale made it difficult for the snow clearance," he said.
"The runways are still icy and the visibility is low. It is still unknown when the airport can be reopened."
Five train trips from Harbin Railway Station were canceled and 39 others delayed.
According to the China Central Meteorological Station, the snow also hit northeast provinces like Jilin and Liaoning and north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Meteorological authorities in Harbin issued the first snowstorm red alert of this year early in the morning, saying the snow would continue with precipitation of 15 millimeters over six hours.
Yuan Meiying, chief weather forecaster with the provincial meteorological station, said the snowstorm starting Monday hit 17 counties and cities in the province.
Harbin was among the worst hit, with 28 millimeters of precipitation falling from 8am Monday to 8am yesterday.
"The snow on the ground is above my ankles. It is difficult to walk downtown," said a Harbin resident surnamed Liu.
The municipal education bureau issued an urgent notice ordering the closure of primary and middle schools for today. However, many schools in Harbin had already closed voluntarily yesterday morning.
"So far, only schools in Harbin were closed. The provincial education bureau has allowed storm-hit cities like Jiamusi, Suihua, Hegang and Yichun to make an independent decision about canceling classes if necessary," said Han Yanping, an official with the provincial education bureau.
The Taiping International Airport in Harbin has been closed since 5:30pm Monday, stranding over 2,400 passengers, according to Li Feng, spokesman with the airport command and rescue center.
He said 23 flights were canceled and another 53 delayed by yesterday noon.
"The continuing snowfall accompanied with a strong gale made it difficult for the snow clearance," he said.
"The runways are still icy and the visibility is low. It is still unknown when the airport can be reopened."
Five train trips from Harbin Railway Station were canceled and 39 others delayed.
According to the China Central Meteorological Station, the snow also hit northeast provinces like Jilin and Liaoning and north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
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