China deploys troops

More than half a million troops have been deployed in China to assist persons affected by severe snowstorms.



The snowstorms, which began almost three weeks ago, are said to be the worst in years and have affected nearly 80 million people.



According to reports, the central provinces of Hunan and Hubei have been hit the hardest.



The Chinese government ordered that 158,000 soldiers and 303,000 paramilitary officers help those affected by food or power shortages.