China snow leaves millions in crisis

Guangzhou: Millions of Chinese have been living without power and water for more than a week as bad weather continued to hit the country on Friday.

More than 160 counties and cities in central China suffered blackouts and water shortages, Xinhua news agency reported.

Food and petrol reserves are also running low after the country's worst winter weather in years. Residents are relying on fire engines for rationed drinking water.

"Many trees are severed and power lines have collapsed," said a Chenzhou hotel worker. "It is a complete mess. We are hungry and cold."

State television said Chenzhou's petrol reserves could only run for another seven days and its rice could feed residents for another five days.

Some 250,000 troops had been mobilised as of Friday to help with disaster relief, Xinhua reported, as millions geared up for a cold, dark start to the Chinese New Year next week.