Macao residents praise PLA soldiers' typhoon relief efforts

The people of Macao have been showing their gratitude to People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers who have been operating in the Special Administrative Region to help with disaster relief.

Around 1,000 Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers join the relief efforts after Macao was hit by Typhoon Hato. [Photo: js7tv.cn]

One online post shows the Chinese mainland soldiers rescuing four people trapped in a car by rising floodwaters received hundreds of likes on social media shortly after it was uploaded, reports the South China Morning Post.

A photo of the dramatic rescue was posted by a coach driver called Ieong Fong-tang, who wrote that the PLA soldiers arrived 25 minutes ahead of the Macao police, and helped the trapped people get out of the car, adding that he couldn't imagine what would have happened without their help.

About 1,000 members from the PLA Garrison in Macao were mobilized on Friday at the request of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, after the city was ravaged by Typhoon Hato, which left ten people dead and over 200 others injured.

They've been helping principally with recovery efforts, clearing debris and spraying disinfectant. It's the first time since the handover in 1999 that PLA soldiers from Macao operated on the streets of the city.

Local residents have welcomed their presence, and praised them for their help. Many applauded and cheered when PLA trucks were spotted in the city. Some said the appearance of the PLA troops made them feel safe.

Meanwhile, Pakhar, the 14th typhoon this year, hit Macao during Sunday.

The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau issued a Signal No. 8 warning, one of the highest levels, at 6:00 local time.

The typhoon brought rain and gales to Macao, along with Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan provinces.