GUIZHOU - Persistent cold weather has left about 379,000 people in a state of disaster in southwest China's Guizhou Province, said local authorities on Wednesday.

Lingering cold along with freezing rain and snowfall have left 17 counties in Guizhou in a state of disaster and forced local governments to relocate over 4,470 people, according to the provincial civil affairs authorities.

Icy vegetables are seen in Liupanshui city, Southwest China's Guizhou province on Jan 8, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

The province's direct economic losses to the cold are estimated to be over 67.95 million yuan (about 10.91 million U.S. dollars), mostly coming in agricultural fields.

Local governments have set up dozens of rescue stations to offer relief goods including food and clothes to people in need.

The National Meteorological Center said in a Tuesday statement that southern China will continue to experience snow, rain and freezing temperatures for the next few days.

The center said the severe weather will intensify from January 8, with blizzards in western regions along the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, as well as the northern part of south China.