The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Beijing

The freakish winter storms that coated much of central and southern China in snow and ice have left 129 people dead so far this year, a senior Chinese official said Saturday.

Aside from the death toll, which was higher than previously reported, Civil Affairs Vice Minister Li Liguo said in remarks carried by the official Xinhua News Agency that four others remain missing.

The storms, which started in early January, have continued to lash areas of China accustomed to milder weather, leaving communities without electricity and clogging railways and roadways. The disasters showed up weaknesses in the government's emergency planning, with Beijing forced to mobilize the military to aid in recovery.

Economic losses so far have reached $210 million, Li said.