Changes in climate

Disasters caused by low temperatures and high winds have affected more than 127,000 people in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said regional authorities on Thursday.
As of 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the disasters have caused an estimated direct economic losses of 96.4 million yuan (15.43 million U.S. dollars) though no causalities have been reported, said the regional civil affairs department.
Between May 31 and June 1, a cold front brought windstorms, rainstorms, freezing temperatures and snow to 12 counties of six cities or prefectures in Xinjiang.
Storms destroyed farmland in rural areas and led to the collapse of dozens of houses.
Rescue operations are under way. Local governments have relocated 956 people and sent relief supplies like quilts, tents, flour and drinking water to other victims.