Over 260 dead in recent cold snap across Europe

 

The death toll from the recent cold snap has risen to more than 260, with the bad weather that wreaked havoc on central and eastern Europe moving west.

The harsh cold spell continues in much of Europe.

The harsh cold spell continues in much of Europe.

Ukraine has suffered the heaviest toll with 122 deaths, including more than 70 people who froze to death in the streets.

The temperature plunged to as low as minus 38 degrees Celsius in parts of the country.

Ukrainian authorities have set up hundreds of "heating centers" across the country in which homeless can get warm and eat.

Bosnia's government declared a state of emergency in its capital Saturday after Sarajevo was paralyzed by snow.

The order says schools must remain closed, women and children stay at home, and men should only report to work if their jobs are essential.

Nenda Tesic, Pale resident, Bosnia, said, "It's very cold, minus 20, minus 30, everything is frozen. I'm afraid of injuries if I fall down on this ice."

In Serbia, 7 people have died and one is missing. Efforts to clear roads blocked by snow are hampered by strong winds and dozens of towns face power cuts.

At least 11,000 villagers have been trapped by heavy snow and blizzards in the mountains.

Meanwhile, the front cold has now moved west.

The first snow hit Belgium on Friday causing more than a thousand kilometres of traffic jams.

Belgium is also seeing a record consumption of gas.

Germany recorded the coldest night of the year, with the temperature plunging to minus 27 degrees Celsius in the south.

Forecasters say the country will see new snowfall next week and the temperature will continue to fall.