Government makes concerted relief efforts

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-31-2008 14:33

Southern China has been badly hit by the unusually cold weather conditions for over two weeks now. Government ministries are working together to help stranded passengers get back on the road.

Government ministries are working together to help stranded passengers get back on the road.

Many vehicles are still stuck on the way to their destinations and thousands of people remain stranded. For most of them, this is the longest trip home they have ever made. But they have not been left to face their difficulties alone.

Su Juxiang, vice president of Red Cross Assoc. of China, said, "We have sent about 50,000 overcoats, worth more than 3 million yuan to 11 provinces. Local Red Cross associations are doing their utmost to help people."

This is a daily briefing at the Ministry of Public Security. The live video of traffic conditions in southern cities enables ministry leaders to understand the latest developments and make the right decisions.

Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu said, "The current situation is still serious. Our priority is to make sure road travel is as smooth as possible. And we must guarantee the safety of passengers."

Other ministries are also doing their utmost to improve the situation for those who have been worst hit.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs and Ministry of Finance has allocated 98 million yuan to help people in Anhui, Jiangxi and Guizhou provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The National Development and Reform Commission is taking measures to ensure there is plenty of cooking oil and gasoline.

The Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Communications have opened special fast channels to transport everyday goods.

The China Meteorological Administration says heavy snow will continue to sweep over southern regions in the next few days. Both the central government and local authorities face tough battles ahead of the Spring Festival. They have one aim, to get passengers home safe and sound as soon as possible.

Editor:Zhang Ning