In China, tents and other relief supplies were being rushed to the northwestern Xinjiang region after heavy snow killed one person and forced the evacuation of nearly 5,500 others. State media today said snowstorms that raged until Friday also flattened 799 houses and damaged 4,897 others. The snow, part of a fierce cold snap that has gripped much of the nation since the New Year, also caused power blackouts and transport chaos in parts of the traditionally Muslim region bordering on Central Asia. The Ministry of Civil Affairs was sending 5,000 tents, 10,000 coats, and 10,000 quilts to the region to aid those affected. China has endured an unusually early and cold winter, reaching its height since January 1 with heavy snow across northern regions of the country, rare snowfalls further south, and persistent sub-freezing temperatures.