Beijing, Jul 23 (IANS): A group of people in Beijing have turned to Weibo, a social networking site, to help those stranded in rain-triggered floods by offering them free rides, accommodation and meals.

The Chinese capital has witnessed one of the heaviest rainstorms in six decades over the weekend, the Global Times reported Monday. At least 37 people have died.

This goodwill gesture of people shows they are seeking ways to respond to social needs and convey concerns in a way that influences the policy-making process, said experts.

Among those who benefitted from the endeavour were Ye Teng and her husband who arrived at the international airport here Sunday only to find there were no taxis to take them home.

The couple were among 80,000 passengers held up at the airport, but private car owners who answered calls on Weibo helped them to reach their destination, the daily said.

More people have since joined the team offering help on Weibo.

Zhu Guofan, a private entrepreneur, announced on Weibo that his company was offering rooms and refreshments free to people stuck in the rain.

Wang Xiaoyu, a professor in Shanghai's Tongji University, told the paper that many well-educated people tend to be more active on social networking sites like Weibo and are more capable of helping others.