Europe caught in cold wave; 45 deaths so far

London, Dec 4: Its that time of the year when Europe reels under sub-zero temperatures and this time casualties seem to have come in early. With normal life crippled, many flights have been cancelled and public transport seem to be blocked in most parts of Northern Europe.

The snow togeather with chilly winds has led to 45 people loosing lives so far from the region alone.17 people died from Central Europe over the past 24 hours and there are reports of 12 deaths in Poland as well. Poland seems to be the worst hit as temperatures dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius (minus five degrees Fahrenheit).

Heavy rainfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro has caused flooding along the Drina River in more than 100 years leading to evacuation of more than 1,000 people. Emergency services in neighbouring Slovakia on Friday confirmed two deaths. Cold weather has also claimed five lives this week in Lithuania.

Scotland recorded temperatures of minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature at the Leeming air force base in North Yorkshire, minus 1 degree Fahrenheit, was the lowest on record in 55 years.

Snow storms have swept the continent over the past few days including London. Geneva international airport only reopened on Thursday. Flights resumed at Dublin Airport late Thursday after it was closed for snow and other debris to be removed from the runway.

Almost 1200 flights were cancelled from the Gatwick airport due to heavy snowfall. People are left stranded in airports not able to enjoy the impending holiday season.

OneIndia News.