Seven more people have died in Russia as result of the extreme cold as the deep freeze continues with temperatures reaching minus 32 Celsius. Latest reports say the death toll has reached 123 in the coldest winter in a generation.
Many of those who have died of exposure were homeless people.
Huge pressure is being put on the Soviet-era heating and power network and electricity consumption hit a record peak.
Exports of Russian gas and electricity have been cut back to provide for increased domestic demand.
The Arctic cold has spread across to Ukraine were seven people have been hospitalised as the temperatures there drop to minus 25 Celsius.
