20 January 2006 Dozens die as Russian temperatures plummet
Over 20 people have died in Russia as temperatures plummeted to minus 30 degrees C overnight.
Temperatures are expected to fall even further as the country suffers freezing conditions not experienced since 1927.
Central heating systems in some regional areas have failed, leaving thousands of people without hot water or heat, while in towns and cities businesses and schools have been forced to close.
Energy consumption within the country has soared, affecting a number of other European countries which have reported drops in the level of their gas supplies from Russia.
At least two people are reported to have died of hypothermia in Moscow, while a further 12 died in the Novgorod region north-west of Moscow.
Cars are unable to start and trolley buses are out of action due to snapped cables; commuters who are still attempting to get to work have been seen running on the spot to keep warm at bus stops, the BBC reports.
Zoos across Russia are attempting to keep their elephants warm by giving them buckets of water mixed with vodka, while macaques were being fortified with cheap French table wine. 
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