The southern city of Czestochowa is deprived of central heating, leaving 150,000 residents as well as those in offices, schools and kindergartens shivering in the cold.

The damage to the centrally controlled system of heating, which pumps hot water into home and buildings occurred during last night and was caused by a break in pipes running through the city.

The damage is being repaired, say local authorities though the work is to continue throughout  the day.

The mercury level in Czestochowa stood at minus 12 degrees Celsius in the morning. (ab)