The winter storms in southern and central China, the worst in half a century, are forecast to last for several more days. At least 50 people have been killed, but the toll is expected to rise. Economic losses so far amount to around $US3 billion. More than 100,000 houses have collapsed and another 400,000 have been damaged. A dozen airports across China have shut.

The rail system, which was due to transport an estimated 178 million people during the holiday season, is in turmoil due to electricity shortages. The roads are no better. A 40-kilometre section of highway in Anhui province, for instance, was clogged with 11,000 vehicles. Some 8,000 police were sent to the area to maintain order.

An estimated 600,000 passengers have been stranded in Guangzhou station due to a power failure in Hunan province. The huge crowds packed the station. Others found shelter in nearby schools and public buildings. The station has stopped selling tickets until after February 6. The only assistance provided to tired and hungry travellers has been a little food and some bottled water. Toilet facilities are completely inadequate. A nervous government dispatched 2,500 police to prevent protests.

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