The worst snowstorm in 50 years has hit Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. Over 50,000 people have been mobilized to clear snow. The storm lasted for 60 hours in the city proper.

Starting on Saturday, average daily snowfall has reached 11.4 milimeters. It’s the highest since the city began record keeping in 1961.

Residents, police and volunteers are helping to clear the streets. Special equipment has also been brought in. Education authorities directed all urban-area kindergartens, primary and high schools to close on Monday and Tuesday, with snow more than ankle-deep in some areas.

China’s weather authorities have issued a blue alert, forecasting continuous snow in east Heilongjiang for the 24-hour period ending on Wednesday.