31 Jan 2012

Eighteen die in severe winter cold

11:14 am on 31 January 2012

At least 18 people have died in Ukraine and 10 in Poland after a sudden drop in temperatures across eastern Europe.

Three deaths have also been reported in Serbia and one in Bulgaria.

Many areas are under emergency measures. Schools are closed and people were urged to stay indoors.

Poland was having a relatively mild winter, until temperatures dropped last Friday from just below freezing to -26 degrees.