Wild Weather Hits Power Supply

China's president, Hu Jintao, has urged miners to step up coal production as winter storms strain fuel and power supplies.

Heavy snow, ice and winds have caused blackouts, killed at least 55 people, wiped out homes and crops and brought much of the transport system to a standstill.

While airports, rail lines and roads are beginning to return to service, the country's infrastructure is struggling to cope with millions of migrant workers hoping to return home for Chinese new year.

Hu told miners in Shanzi, northern China: "We hope that you can exercise your special spirit as coal workers to combat the disasters and play out the tradition of helping one another."

Officials have waived all tolls and restrictions on coal and food shipments. Psychologists have also been drafted in to counsel stranded travelers in Hangzhou.