The worst snow storms in China for many decades have seen the country's transport system virtually grind to a halt, causing misery for the millions of migrant workers struggling to get home for Chinese New Year on February 7.
Thousands of cars are reported trapped on highways and millions of people are stranded at airports, bus and train stations.
Meanwhile Premier Wen Jiabao said: "The most difficult period is not over yet. The situation remains grim."
The government also urged people to abandon their New Year travel plans.
More than three weeks of snow storms in China have killed over 60 people and affected nearly 8 million others in 14 provinces in central, southern and eastern China. The snow has also hit the country's economy, causing damage estimated at $7.5 billion.
Over 300,000 Chinese soldiers have been deployed to assist aid efforts, and a command center has been established to "coordinate contingency measures for coal and oil transport, power supply transmission and disaster relief in snow-hit areas," the Xinhua news agency said.
On a more optimistic note, Chinese meteorologists said brighter weather with no rain or snow was expected for the upcoming New Year holiday.
