(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-02 10:14

BEIJING - The National Grid of China said power could be restored partially within the day in the worst-hit region in central China's Hunan Province, ending the eight-day blackout caused by snow.

Local residents buy candies for the upcoming Spring Festival in Chenzhou, Central China's Hunan Province, February 1, 2008. Power supply in Chenzhou City has been cut off during the past eight days, leaving thousands of households in dark and coldness. [Xinhua]

"Many power facilities in Hunan were damaged due to repeated extreme weather changes," said Yin Jijun, deputy director of the international liaison department of the National Grid. "As the weather deteriorated again, the regional power grid, in particular the southern grid in the province, is facing acute challenges."

A new round of snow started to hit central, south and east China regions on Friday, adding to the woes caused by previous snowfalls.

Hunan is one of the hardest-hit areas for the past three weeks. Power supply in Chenzhou City has been cut off during the past eight days, leaving thousands of households in dark and coldness. Hengyang and Yongzhou cities also experienced blackouts in some areas.

To address the situation, Yin said the National Grid is working all out to ensure security of the main power network in southern Hunan, especially in Chenzhou.

"We will strive to partially restore electricity supply in Chenzhou on Saturday," Yin said.

Chenzhou has become an "isolated island" as heavy snow cut power and water supply, and disrupt transportation.

"The best wish of my wife is to have a hot-water shower," said 33-year-old Chenzhou resident Huang Junwen. "But under such circumstances, this has become impossible."

Cooking oil and vegetables were also running out, with prices surging. Bigger supermarkets in the city were closed. Residents were relying on fire engines for rationed drinking water, and coalballs have become rarities.

"I can't even withdraw money from ATMs," said Jiang Songbai, a migrant worker working in Chenzhou.

A few power generators are being transported to Chenzhou via rail to restore the running of important public facilities or industries. And more electric workers were mobilized to replace those who have been working on the field for about 20 days.