China Weather Causes Chaos At Train Stations

As a result of the snow, China officials have urged millions of migrant workers to cancel their trips home for the Lunar New Year. The train stations are packed with workers hoping to get home. The government has resorted to using bribes to reduce the number of travelers. They are offering parties, free movie tickets and extra vacation time for those who choose not to travel.

“For the sake of their safety, and relieving the stress on transport, I advise migrant workers to stay in the cities where they work,” said Chief of China Meteorological Administration, Zheng Guogang.

The snow storms have left millions without power and water for several days. Government officials have deployed half a million soldiers and 14,000 doctors and nurses to help the stranded.

The economy has also been hit hard. Food prices have skyrocketed to an all time high as crops were destroyed by the snow. The trains being unable to travel have also affected the food industry as supplies cannot be transported around the country. The price of vegetables has increased by more than 50 percent.

In a rare public move, Prime Minister Wen Jiabo apologized directly to million of stranded people. “I apologized to you all. We are currently trying our best to repair the system. First we’ll fix the electric grid. After that, the trains will run again…Then all of you can go home for the Chinese New Year,” he said.

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