The big freeze maintains its icy grip on Europe - and shows no sign of abating.<br/> <br />Here in Poland, 37 people have died so far from the cold spell with record low temperatures and heavy snow fall.<br/> <br />In Jablonka, temperatures plummeted to minus 37 degrees Celsius.<br/> <br />The freezing temperatures also shut down schools in some cities - required by law if temperatures inside fall below 15 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days.<br/> <br />Italy has also been hit by the cold spell with rare snowfall in capital, Rome, and disruptions to traffic in northern and central parts of the country.<br/> <br />On the island of Giglio, rescuers were battling the harsh weather to continue salvage and rescue operations on the capsized Costa Concordia cruise liner.<br/> <br />Meanwhile, authorities in France issued severe weather warnings for nearly half the country as temperatures continue to plummet.<br/> <br />In Paris, some residents were taking the tough conditions in their stride though.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) PASSER-BY REMY SAYING:<br/> <br />"It's not a problem. There are seasons, it's winter, there's a lovely light. There's lots of stuff. All you have to do is keep warm."<br/> <br />The cold snap is expected to continue through the week and beyond.<br/> <br />Sunita Rappai, Reuters
