Special Report: China's war on snow havoc

    BEIJING, Feb. 2 -- The faces of the crowds gathering at railway and bus stations as well as at the airports in many parts of China were changing like the weather.

    Some were looking hopeful, others anxious and helpless.

    The snowstorms, which have wreaked havoc for more than a week, stopped trains, buses and flights and caused crowds to swell at stations and airports.

    Pictures of people helping others who had fainted at a railway station in Guangzhou, Guangdong province are heart-rending.

    Wait it out, or leave, no one seems to have a definite answer to that question.

    Anxiety, depression and uncertainty were etched on the faces of those waiting. Some had even suffered a nervous breakdown.

    Given that more bad weather in the coming days will further snarl transportation, a stress management approach should be adopted toward people stranded.

    Premier Wen Jiabao's unexpected presence in Changsha, Hunan province, and Guangzhou did much to relieve the anxiety of travelers.

    But a scientific approach is also needed to help victims of natural disasters, especially those suffering from stress.

    Social and medical workers should teach travelers how to ease stress, and now is an opportune time. Deep breathing is one simple way.

    Natural disasters have a sweeping effect on people's lives, not only the victims, but their relatives and friends as well.

    Waiting for a journey home has become a hard slog, but to be reunited with family and friends at this time of the year for most people is a must.

    (Source: China Daily)