China battles harshest cold spell

China is currently facing its harshest winter in years with extreme sub-zero temperatures causing birds to freeze to death.

The bone-chilling -52 blast has disrupted routine life. 

Heavy snow has disrupted travel in many parts of China, forcing authorities to close down highways and cancel classes following the Chinese New Year holiday.

The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) issued an orange alert, the highest in the country’s three-tier system on Wednesday as temperatures dropped across the south.

Following the hailstorm, emergency services rushed to the scene to assist the stranded passersby and motorists and clear the debris from the flooded streets.

Chinese media revealed that the storm caused extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure, leaving roads impassable and disrupting traffic for hours.

One local said: "The roads have turned into conveyor belts."

Authorities issued warnings urging residents to remain indoors as cleanup efforts proceeded in the aftermath of the event.