Icicles are seen by the sea in Yantai City,Eeast China's Shandong province, Jan 21, 2016. A cold front and snowfall are expected to hit the city from Jan 22 to 24. [Photo / Xinhua]

BEIJING  -- Local governments should take countermeasures to cope with a cold wave that has hit much of China, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) on Thursday.

The cold air moving south has already brought heavy snow to regions along the Yangtze River, while cities in east and central China have seen temperatures drop by more than 10 degrees Celsius over the past few days.

In order to reduce damage caused by the weather, local governments should strengthen their cooperation with local police and civil administrations to aid the needy via inspections, according to the circular.

Temporary aid stations and shelters should also be set up in public areas where homeless people are likely to gather, MCA said in the circular.

In addition, local governments must ensure their communication with other related departments, while food and supplies such as coats and cotton quilts must be guaranteed, the circular said.

The cold wave will linger in China for another couple of days, with temperatures in most affected areas expected to rise on Monday.