posted January 28, 2008 01:31 PM         

Leaves on the line, canceled planes and interminable traffic jams have all become part of the British psyche but our public transport woes are nothing compared to the astonishing crisis gripping China.

After weeks of blizzards and ice storms, the rail network has come crashing to a halt in spectacular style.

Such is the extent of the chaos that police and soldiers have been called in to deal with a staggering 200,000 travellers waiting for a train.

The swelling crowds, who are mainly migrant factory workers have filled up a huge plaza in front of the main station in Guangzhou, China.

They eventually spilled out into a busy thoroughfare that had to be closed to give people space to camp out while they waited.

posted January 28, 2008 02:26 PM         

Having small children myself I can hardly imagine having to endure this patience game with them amongst hundreds of thousands of other people. Yes, there are small children camped out on the cold ground as well.

My heart goes out to these people.

posted January 28, 2008 07:36 PM         

It could be a volitile situation if people don't keep their heads and their patience.

Police should remove those with small children first to shelters.