Dutch Railways are deploying extra emergency crews at the weekend to prevent switches from freezing at critical junctures.

The measure has been taken amid fears of further snow drifts and a strong easterly wind. Dutch Railways nevertheless warn of delays over the weekend, as many carriages have already been damaged by the extreme winter weather. Metereologists say the wind chill factor will make temperatures feel like -10 to -15 Celsius.

In view of the extreme cold, in Amsterdam the municipality is increasing the number of beds for homeless people from 1,700 to more than 1,900. After the weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende encouraged people to clear the pavement in front of their homes as a matter of responsibility towards society.

(Photo: flickr.com/joelle kole)