China Business News reported on Monday that China’s microblogging sites played a vital role in emergency rescues after Sunday’s Beijing flood, the heaviest rainfall in the Chinese capital in six decades, which has so far caused 37 confirmed deaths and 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) in economic losses.

Over 8.8 million posts about the flood were circulated on Sina Weibo, China’s biggest microblogging site, according to the paper.

A large number of residents were trapped on the way home due to flooded roads. Dozens of Sina Weibo users voluntarily ushered pedestrians home in their own vehicles. Later many netizens joined the “free shuttle team.”

Sina Weibo user @航海的波 posted early Sunday, saying that he has reached an agreement with the police – cars which took part in the rescue were to turn on their double flash, so that the police can identify them and pick up the pedestrians. It was called the “Double Flash Movement” by Chinese netizens.

The paper said there are over 520 thousand posts about the “movement” on Sina Weibo and 100 thousand posts labeled “give you a ride.”

In addition, a number of companies and individuals announced on their Weibo accounts that they could host people temporarily trapped and unable get home.

The paper said Beijing government agencies also posted relevant information on their Weibo account. For example, the Beijing fire department responded to requests for help and posted updates on the latest rescue progress.

Li Jiangang, professor at the Communications University of China, told the paper that social media like Weibo is accelerating communication during emergencies.

“Weibo extends the channels for social relief. They react more flexibly than government public service organizations under certain circumstances. Weibo rescue also reflects the spirit of Beijing,” Li said.