China vows to normalize life, production in snow-hit areas as early as possible

According to the latest official statistics, snow-caused catastrophes have killed 107 and caused 111.1 billion yuan (about 15.4 billion U.S. dollars) in direct financial loss.

Electricity workers repair the damaged power transmission  tower in Yihuang County of south China's Jiangxi Province,  Feb. 12, 2008. Power supply continued to resume in China  while the government has been exerting efforts to maintain  price stability after a worst-in-decades snow snarl. (Xinhua Photo)

Altogether, 21 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities have been affected. About 1.5 million people have been evacuated, and 1.93 million stranded passengers have been transported out.

The extreme weather affected nearly 24.4 million hectares of farmland and 18.6 million hectares of forests.

The State Forestry Administration has allocated a total of 34.3million yuan (4.7 million U.S. dollars) for subsidy to the worst-hit six provinces.

The forestry administration also made plans to cut back relative taxes to relieve farmers and encourage production after the snow storms.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has proposed to provide technology support for the snow stricken areas, to help with restoring industrial and agricultural production.

Wan Gang, Minister of Science and Technology, said on a work conference here on Wednesday the ministry would closely monitor secondary disasters that might come along with the snow storm, send technicians to snow-hit areas to facilitate power grid reconstruction and agricultural production.

He also said the ministry will strengthen the country's alarm system against natural disasters by granting more funds into research in related areas.

The science ministry has already allocated 20 million yuan (2.73 million U.S. dollars) to help with disaster relief, and have distributed science brochures compiled by the ministry to snow stricken areas.

It also ordered relevant departments to monitor possible secondary disasters coming along with the low temperature, snow and freezing rain.

In addition, the ministries of civil affairs and finance have allocated a total of 535 million yuan (73.79 million U.S. dollars)in emergency funding to regions affected by the disaster.

The two ministries have so far earmarked another 710 million yuan for needy urban and rural residents in seven of the worst-hit provinces and regions as temporary subsidies.

Editor:Zhang Ning