From north to south, many parts of the globe are enduring extreme weather. In the northern hemisphere, Europe is under a deep freeze, with many countries experiencing a cold snap with severe snowstorms.

While in the south, Australia and Panama are struggling against heavy rains and flooding.

France is enduring the worst blizzard since 1987. More than 3 thousand people have taken shelter in cold-proof housing to battle against fierce winds. The blizzard has caused traffic chaos, leaving hundreds of people stranded on the country's roads. Several flights have been delayed or cancelled.

Right next door, Germany is also enduring severe winter weather. Low temperatures and snow hovering around the freezing point created havoc on the roads. Hundreds of accidents were reported across the country. Frankfurt airport was shut down for more than four hours after its runways were deemed too icy to allow for safe take-offs and landings.

Sudden snow fall also caused temperatures to plummet by 20 degrees Celsius in the Balkans. Freezing temperatures and fierce winds have followed the region's worst flooding for hundreds of years.

While heavy snow storms blanketed the northern hemisphere, drenching rains submerged the south. Along Australia's east coast, weeks of rains destroyed crops, and damaged homes, killing at least four people. Meteorologists predict more heavy rain could lead to flash flooding, but rains have already eased in some places.

The relentless weather has also swept across Panama in central America, claiming at least 10 lives. The country has declared a national emergency. Forecasters predict the rainy season could bring more trouble to the country in the coming months.

(CCTV December 11, 2010)