Special Report: China's war on snow havoc

    BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Although police and emergency workers have been posthumously awarded hero or model worker titles for their efforts during China's winter weather crisis, officials who did not perform well face severe penalties, the Communist Party of China's (CPC) Organization Department said on Monday.

    Officials' performances during the crisis would be an important factor in their evaluations, which could mean promotion or punishment, said a circular released by the Organization Department.

    The circular urged greater efforts in combating the snow and rebuilding homes to keep damage to a minimum and ensure a happy New Year Holiday for those in hard-hit areas.

    The Organization Department called on all front-line party members to do their best to ensure that traffic was moving, electricity and heat were available and necessities were supplied.

    Front-line party members should strengthen reconstruction work, which included rebuilding homes, repairing livestock fences and replanting crops.

    In addition, the circular encouraged organization departments at all levels to seek out and commend model soldiers and workers who turned in excellent performances during and after the snow crisis.

    Since Jan. 10, the unusual winter weather has killed at least 60 people and affected millions. Another three police and 11 electricians were killed in the line of duty and were posthumously designated as hero or model workers.