Cold spells have swept through parts of China recently, bringing unexpected snowfall to various regions.
In Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province, a section of National Highway 248, known as the "Locke Road," was hit by a sudden snow, with local authorities responding swiftly to ensure safety and smooth traffic on the road. The Locke Road, starting from Zhuoni County and ending at Zhagana scenic area in Diebu County, experienced continuous snowfall from Saturday night. Heavy snow accumulation and ice on the road disrupted traffic.
Most of the snow melted before Monday morning, but some road sections still had black ice. Traffic police issued warnings, reminding tourists and drivers of following weather forecasts and road information before heading to those sections.
In Shanxi Province, falling temperatures with a mix of rain and snow hit Taiyuan City. Experts say that it is the earliest first snowfall of a year recorded since 1951 in the region.
The wintry weather also affected expressways running through the city, prompting the deployment of police officers to ensure smooth traffic flow. Meanwhile, the first snow of the season blanketed Shanxi's Mount Wutai scenic area, one of four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, painting the landscape in a shimmering white coat.
To ensure the safety of visitors and motorists, local authorities also mobilized traffic police to guide vehicles and provide help at icy sections of the road.
Early snowfall hits China’s Gansu, Shanxi Provinces
As the latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict has prolonged for more than one year, Israeli airstrikes and shelling have caused extensive destruction, significant civilian casualties and widespread forced displacement in the Gaza Strip, particularly in areas like Khan Younis and Rafah.
Heavily affected by Israeli military operations, Palestinians are mourning the loss of their loved ones and grappling with the devastating aftermath on a daily basis.
Those injured in Israeli air strikes and shelling often face limited access to medical care due to the ongoing conflict, which makes their recovery even more challenging.
"We were sitting in our tents while rockets targeted us. I say rockets, but not bombs! Do you understand what I mean? What did we do to deserve such a fate? There were only unarmed civilians inside the tents. This is a genuine genocide!" said a resident.
In addition, the Israeli air strikes on the besieged enclave have also resulted in catastrophic damage to local infrastructure.
It is estimated that approximately 80 percent of Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed or severely damaged so far due to the intensified bombardment, including critical civilian infrastructure such as residential buildings, health care facilities, electricity and water supply, schools and educational buildings, roads and bridges, and public services and government buildings.
The scale of destruction has triggered widespread humanitarian concerns, as the blockade and the ongoing air strikes together make it increasingly difficult for the international community to provide the necessary aid to those affected.
"There is a total control over the buffer zones aimed at creating new extension territories and imposing new rules, thereby worsening the already harsh daily life of Palestinians," said another resident.
The humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Gaza are overwhelming, as thousands of lives have been lost, countless families have been displaced, and much of Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed.
The road for the Gaza Strip to recovery will be long and challenging, and Palestinians will require substantial international assistance to rebuild their homes, their life, and their future.
Moreover, achieving a permanent settlement to the Israeli-Hamas conflict must address the political and human rights issues, without which lasting peace and stability in the region remain elusive.
Israeli strikes cause extensive casualties, displacement in Gaza
