| BEIJING, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Twenty people have died in northwestern China as a result of freezing temperatures and the heaviest snowfall in 60 years, officials said. SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS Blizzards and avalanches hit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region affecting 1.5 million people, Xinhua reported Wednesday. Thousands have been injured, and more than 30,000 homes have been damaged, the regional department of civil affairs announced. About 160,000 people have been evacuated in three prefectures, and direct economic loss from the storms is estimated at around $94 million, the department said. China's Premier Wen Biabao, visiting the affected areas on the weekend, said the government would take measures to offer relief, including providing subsidies and discount loans. The regional government has already allocated $9.59 million and provided 4,716 tons of grain, 38,649 tons of coal and 40,000 winter coats and quilts, Xinhua reported. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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