This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7216811.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Chinese troops to aid snow relief Chinese troops to aid snow relief
(10 minutes later)
The Chinese government has deployed almost half a million troops to help people affected by the worst winter weather in decades.The Chinese government has deployed almost half a million troops to help people affected by the worst winter weather in decades.
Severe snow has hit central and eastern China, paralysing transport networks ahead of the busiest holiday season.Severe snow has hit central and eastern China, paralysing transport networks ahead of the busiest holiday season.
Some areas are also experiencing food and power shortages, with deliveries of coal and other commodities delayed.Some areas are also experiencing food and power shortages, with deliveries of coal and other commodities delayed.
On Tuesday, the Chinese premier visited a snow-hit region and the Politburo met to discuss relief efforts.On Tuesday, the Chinese premier visited a snow-hit region and the Politburo met to discuss relief efforts.
"The top priority task at present is to ensure electricity supply and smooth communications and transport by every possible means," the Politburo said in a statement."The top priority task at present is to ensure electricity supply and smooth communications and transport by every possible means," the Politburo said in a statement.
Railway stations in Guangzhou are a scene of horror, with countless thousands of desperate and freezing people besieging them Paul Surtees In pictures: Weather chaosEyewitness: Snow chaosRailway stations in Guangzhou are a scene of horror, with countless thousands of desperate and freezing people besieging them Paul Surtees In pictures: Weather chaosEyewitness: Snow chaos
It called on local authorities to increase relief efforts and ensure a supply of coal to power stations.It called on local authorities to increase relief efforts and ensure a supply of coal to power stations.
Premier Wen Jiabao, meanwhile, apologised to delayed travellers at a railway station in Changsha, Hunan province.Premier Wen Jiabao, meanwhile, apologised to delayed travellers at a railway station in Changsha, Hunan province.
"I am deeply apologetic that you are stranded in the railway station and not able to go home earlier," he said."I am deeply apologetic that you are stranded in the railway station and not able to go home earlier," he said.
"We are now doing our best to fix things up and you will all be home for the Spring Festival.""We are now doing our best to fix things up and you will all be home for the Spring Festival."
Bus deathsBus deaths
The snowstorms, which began on 10 January, are the worst for half a century and have affected nearly 80 million people across 14 provinces.The snowstorms, which began on 10 January, are the worst for half a century and have affected nearly 80 million people across 14 provinces.
The central provinces of Hunan and Hubei have been hardest hit, but eastern provinces are also affected.The central provinces of Hunan and Hubei have been hardest hit, but eastern provinces are also affected.
Houses and agricultural land have been destroyed and at least 50 people killed, 25 of whom died when their bus slid off an icy road in Guizhou.Houses and agricultural land have been destroyed and at least 50 people killed, 25 of whom died when their bus slid off an icy road in Guizhou.
With the snow set to continue, the government has ordered 158,000 soldiers and 303,000 paramilitary officers to help those affected by food or power shortages, Xinhua news agency said.With the snow set to continue, the government has ordered 158,000 soldiers and 303,000 paramilitary officers to help those affected by food or power shortages, Xinhua news agency said.
Almost one million police have also been sent to control traffic on congested highways.Almost one million police have also been sent to control traffic on congested highways.
Forecasters expect more snow to hit southern ChinaForecasters expect more snow to hit southern China
The snow has blocked roads and railway lines just as millions of travellers are trying to return home for the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on 7 February.The snow has blocked roads and railway lines just as millions of travellers are trying to return home for the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on 7 February.
Enormous crowds have gathered at stations, but railway authorities in several cities had stopped selling tickets, Xinhua said.Enormous crowds have gathered at stations, but railway authorities in several cities had stopped selling tickets, Xinhua said.
In Guangzhou, where up to half a million people were reported to be stranded at one point, travellers described grim scenes.In Guangzhou, where up to half a million people were reported to be stranded at one point, travellers described grim scenes.
The main station was besieged by "countless thousands of desperate and freezing people" too scared to leave in case they lost their chance to travel, Paul Surtees told the BBC from the city.The main station was besieged by "countless thousands of desperate and freezing people" too scared to leave in case they lost their chance to travel, Paul Surtees told the BBC from the city.
In an open letter, the government urged migrant workers in the city to abandon plans to travel, Xinhua said.In an open letter, the government urged migrant workers in the city to abandon plans to travel, Xinhua said.
Some airports in the region have now been reopened and trains are beginning to run, it said.Some airports in the region have now been reopened and trains are beginning to run, it said.
But officials are warning that more bad weather could trigger further problems.But officials are warning that more bad weather could trigger further problems.
Have you been affected by the cold weather in southern China? Send us your pictures, some of which may be published.Have you been affected by the cold weather in southern China? Send us your pictures, some of which may be published.
You can send pictures and video to:You can send pictures and video to:
yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here. Click here to see terms and conditions yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here. Click here to see terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Name:
 Name: