BUCHAREST, Jan. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Forty-five people have so far been killed by a Siberian cold snap which has swept across Romania over the past 10 days, local media reported on Thursday.

    The dead, aged between 33 and 86, had suffered heart and respiratory problems caused by the cold temperatures, according to the Romanian Health Ministry.

    Most countries in central and eastern Europe have been hit by the big freeze which began on Jan. 15, with icy winds and heavy snow closing roads, schools and ports. Enditem