Ice skaters take to Amsterdam canals

The bitter cold gripping Europe has frozen over parts of Amsterdams canals, allowing the locals to ice skate on the waterways, the media reported on Saturday.

For the first time in about six years, part of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals froze hard enough to support the weight of dozens of sightseers, locals and ice skaters, reports the Guardian.

Footage from the canals showed people on skates criss-crossing the ice while others stroll along enjoying the novelty of walking on what is normally flowing water.

However, the unusual conditions did snare two skaters who took to the ice on Thursday when it was not quite thick enough.

According to local media, the pair fell through the ice and were rescued by passersby.

Europe's deep freeze continued to wreak havoc on Saturday, the Guardian reported.

After heavy snowfall and deadly blizzards, conditions marginally improved in some regions on Friday - although temperatures generally remained sub-zero, forcing more major delays on roads, railways and at airports.

The freezing conditions have left over 60 dead so far.

--IANS

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