Ukraine Cold Spell Kills Dozens

Ukraine is currently in the grip of a cold spell that has killed dozens of people.

Ukraine's Health Ministry says 37 people have now died from the severe cold spell that hit the country this month.

Most of the victims were homeless.

The ministry said on December 18 that 190 people have required treatment for hypothermia and frostbite, and more than 160 of them have been hospitalized.

Authorities have set up some 1,500 centers around the country to provide food and shelter.

The figures were announced after a heavy snowfall in some areas, with temperatures dropping to beyond minus-15 Celsius.

Scores of people also died from cold in Ukraine last winter.

Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters