Clusivol

Big freeze claims more lives in Poland and Ukraine
At least 29 people have died overnight in Ukraine and Poland as a result of extremely low temperatures in Europe. The total number of deaths across the two countries now sits at around 110, where temperatures have plunged to -30 C. In the Ukraine alone over 1,000 people applied for help at medical institutions, suffering with frostbite and hypothermia. The Emergency Situations Ministry is set to add more heating tents to the 2,000 they already have in place, offering anyone caught out in the cold the chance of some shelter and a free hot drink. Heavy snowfall has also cut off those living in more remote areas. The lowest temperatures of around ??�40 C were found in the Urals and Siberia. The latest cold snap is highlighting a long known problem in the region of antiquated and inefficient heating systems that require a lot of energy. Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said they now need to build modern buildings that conform with European energy efficiency standards. Over 100 flights also had to be grounded in Italy, where extreme conditions have sent temperatures in Northern and Central parts of the country below zero. Forecasters also predict snowfall in Rome and Naples. The extreme cold is expected to persist until around February 11. More about: Europe, Snow storm, Snowfall, Weather