Death toll rises as cold snap grips Europe

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Fiona Simpson11 January 2017

Heavy snow has blanketed Eastern Europe, creating fresh hazards for people already struggling with travel delays, power outages and sub-zero temperatures.

Two more deaths were reported on Wednesday in Poland where the mercury plunged to -7C.

The country has been hit hardest by the recent cold snap to sweep Europe - which has now been blamed for at least 65 deaths.

Blizzards began early on Wednesday in Romania, closing more than 130 roads and causing delays on the railway.

Thousands of commuters rode the Bucharest underground train, while others walked on the streets, as snow piled high on the pavements. Several people were seen skiing.

In Serbia, where plummeting temperatures of -12C have caused six deaths, authorities evacuated 130 snowbound residents.

Arctic blast: Migrants queue for food in Serbia at temperatures plummet
AP

Dozens of vehicles rescued people stuck in snowdrifts.

Schools were closed in the worst-affected areas of Serbia and Romania.

TfL said more than 100,000 tonnes of salt have been stockpiled at key locations across the capital – enough to last 139 days’ of ice.

There are 39 road gritters, as well as gritting quad bikes and flatbed trucks, ready to keep roads, pavements and cycle superhighways clear.

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