Cold weather across large areas of Europe is being blamed for the deaths of 164 people.

Polish authorities recorded nine more people dead due to freezing temperatures bring the total to 29 since last week.

Temperatures have fallen as low as minus 32 degrees Celsius is some areas of Poland.

Ukrainian officials said on February 2 that the number of deaths in that country in the past week had risen to 63.

Thousands of people in Ukraine have reportedly sought help at more than 2,000 temporary shelters.

East Europe has been particularly hard hit, with some villages in the Balkans being entirely cut off due to heavy snows.

In Georgia, people were enduring the coldest temperatures since 1998, with Tbilisi registering minus 10-13 degrees and mountain areas recording temperatures down to minus 20.

Europe is not alone in feeling the chill.

Kazakhstan reports heavy snows in western areas and temperatures between minus 30 and minus 40 in northern parts of the country.

compiled from agency reports

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