Bout of freezing cold weather claims seven lives

A bout of freezing cold weather has claimed the lives of seven people in the Czech Republic, five in the last week alone. The authorities have urged people not to underestimate the risk and a boatel for the homeless on the Vltava river said it still had around 50 vacancies a night. However most shelters do not provide accommodation during the day, leaving homeless people to fend for themselves in minus ten degree temperatures. Hospitals report an increase in the number of patients with frostbite, saying not all of them are homeless people.

Meteorologists reported record night time lows of minus 26,5 in the Šumava mountains and have warned drivers not to set out for southern Bohemia without winter tyres, shovels and chains. The weather has caused traffic problems around the country. A thaw is expected mid-week.