Cold snap in eastern and central Europe continues

At least 60 people have died due to freezing conditions caused by a cold snap in eastern and central Europe, the BBC reports.

The drop in temperatures, forcing some countries to deploy the army and set up emergency shelters, is set to continue to Friday, forecasters say.

At least 30 people - mostly homeless - have died in Ukraine. Deaths have also been reported in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, among others.

Temperatures plunged to -20C (-4F) on Monday.

Health officials in Ukraine say nearly 24,000 people have sought refuge in some 1,590 shelters over the past three days.
More than 600 people have sought treatment for frostbite and hypothermia during this time.

Forecasters said the cold spell would last until Friday with further heavy snow expected across the region on Wednesday, the smh.com.au reports.