Residents try to thaw out frozen water lines with make-shift fires. Three weeks of snow has left thousands without power, food and water.

ANHUI, China - For almost a month, heavy snowfall has blanketed central and southern China, leaving people stranded, without power and battling the bitter cold.

Operation Blessing has teamed up with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) to provide immediate relief to those in need.

Government officials report more than 18 million people have been affected by the storm, which isn't due to let up any time soon. Freezing temperatures are expected to last through the weekend.

OBI has sent the CFPA emergency funds to create relief kits for affected families. Each kit will provide a family of 3-5 people with nearly 20 days of food and water and other needed supplies such as blankets.

The snow storm hit during one of the busiest travel seasons in China – the Lunar New Year, on Feb. 7.

CFPA reports 1.6 million people have been relocated and more than 2 million homes have suffered damage. Besides the initial devastation, long-term impact has already been calculated in the millions, with crops lost and economic slowdown as businesses try to rebuild.

OBI and CFPA are also working with local businesses to help rush needed aid to the area. The Chinese government made a plea on national news urging businesses to respond to the disaster.

The snow storm hit during one of the busiest travel seasons in China – the Lunar New Year, on Feb. 7. Besides tourists being left stranded, remote villages and towns are cut off because the transportation systems have been crippled.

OBI and CFPA are working to reach other affected areas such as Guangdong, Hubei, Henan, and Jiangxi.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can take part in helping China's displaced families by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide food, medical care to those suffering as a result of the snowstorms in China. Please make an on-line donation today.

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