Freezing weather affects 440,000 in SW China province

GUIYANG, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Freezing weather has affected the lives of 440,000 people in southwest China's Guizhou Province, the local civil affairs department said Wednesday.

The ongoing cold wave had damaged 8,000 hectares of crops and dozens of homes in 25 counties and districts as of Tuesday noon, said Feng Shiwen, Party chief of the provincial civil affairs department.

Direct economic losses have exceeded 57 million yuan (9 million U.S. dollars), the official said.

Civil affairs departments at various levels had distributed 3,400 quilts, 4,200 pieces of clothing, and 27,000 bowls of instant noodles to over 170 temporary relief stations, said Feng.