Europe hit by record low temperatures

A cold snap in Europe left a blanket of snow and ice on this church in the German Alps and froze ships in this Ukraine port.

At least 89 people are dead and hundreds are seeking medical attention for frostbite as a punishing arctic system makes its way through Eastern Europe.

Desperate to escape temperatures which in some areas reached minus 27 degrees Fahrenheit, homeless filled shelters through the region.

Damage to power lines has also left tens of thousands with electricity.

Wildlife were among the cold casualties in Ukraine. The heavy snowfall also triggered avalanche concerns in and complicated commutes from Istanbul to Moscow. The Arctic weather is expected to continue for several days.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.