Extreme cold claims lives in Asia, climate experts speak of ‘the new normal’ | Abroad

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Jan 26, 2023 at 8:29 am

In East Asian countries such as China, Japan and South Korea there is a deadly cold wave. Climate experts speak of “the new normal” in these countries.

In northern China, the temperature has even dropped to -53 degrees. Temperatures of -25 degrees were measured near the border between North Korea and South Korea on Tuesday.

Six people have already died in Japan due to the extremely low temperatures. Meteorologists say some parts of the country are experiencing their lowest temperatures in a decade.

They warn that the cold wave will continue at least until Thursday, with heavy snowstorms and wind. As a result, public transport has been suspended in parts of Japan. Hundreds of domestic flights have also been canceled, CNN reports.

Record amount of melted ice caps causing extreme cold

Climate experts are calling the deadly cold “the new normal” in East Asian countries.

“A record amount of Arctic ice caps have melted since last year due to global warming,” South Korean climate scientist Yeh Sang-wook told CNN. When sea ice melts, more vapor is released into the air. That leads to more snow in the north.”

If climate change worsens, the region will experience more severe cold weather in the future, the scientist warns.

More than 150 killed in extreme cold in Afghanistan

There is also extreme winter weather in Afghanistan. 157 have already been killed by the cold.

The UN humanitarian agency announced via Twitter on Sunday that it would provide blankets, heating and shelter to some 565,700 people in Afghanistan. “But because of one of the coldest winters in years, much more is needed.”

Image: ANP

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