PLA helps stranded travellers

Source: CCTV.com | 02-01-2008 13:46

Stranded passengers have been massively inconvenienced. Bad weather has forced them to change their travel plans. And some have been waiting for several days at railway or bus stations.

Some basic essentials have now become a big problem, not to mention their anxiety to continue on their journey home. But they're not alone in their time of need.

More than 7,000 vehicles and 20,000 travellers have been stranded at the Shaoguan section of the Beijing-Zhuhai artery expressway for days. The long queue of vehicles stretches over 30 kilometers. Thanks to the local PLA troops, these people can still get food. Soldiers are cooking at the site, providing drivers and passengers with a regular supply of warm porridge and steamed bread.

Military officer Chang Dezhi said, "We deliver food to them every one-and-a-half hours. We have already given them food five times so far today. After this round, we'll cook and hand out again."

A stranded passenger said, "The food is warm and we feel warm too. I'm more comfortable now. It's so nice to be able to eat warm porridge on such cold day."

Low temperatures remain in Huizhou in Guangdong province. Over 100 solders stationed there have set up makeshift tents at Huizhou Raiway Station to help delayed passengers fend off the cold. They're also providing warm food and water.

A military officer said, "It's a very hard time for them and we are sharing their difficulties. They've been waiting so long. It's windy and raining. It's our responsibility to help them."

In addition to tents and food, soldiers have also set up 10 temporary public bathrooms for the stranded passengers.

Editor:Zhang Ning