Freeze of Century Grips China

First it was the snow, now it's the cold wreaking continued havoc in China, leaving millions stranded and millions more without power in the coldest winter in a century. President Hu Jintao chaired an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss rescue efforts in the nation where scores have died, as desperate migrant workers struggled in vain to return home to their families in time for the Lunar New Year.

"We have to be clear-minded that the inclement weather and severe disaster will continue to plague certain regions in the south," said a statement after the meeting. Disturbing videos of thousands stranded, freezing and hungry, at rail terminals have raised questions about the government's ability to handle emergencies just months before the Beijing Olympics. (More China stories.)