Society

Guangzhou shifts to top gear ahead of 2010 Asian Games

By Zhang Yuchen (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-31 10:57

GUANGZHOU - Security forces in the city are all geared up for the 2010 Asian Games, scheduled to kick off on Nov 12.

The Guangzhou garrison command has issued detailed requirements on security maintenance work and vowed to guarantee smooth traffic during the two-week Games period.

Armed police take part in an anti-terror drill on Tuesday in Dongguan, Guangdong province, in preparation for better security ahead of the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, in November. Chen Fan / Xinhua

The garrison will assist security maintenance around the Games venues, at the airports, harbors and train stations, as well as prevent traffic congestion and ensure continuous supply of water, power and gas.

It will also assist the armed police in preventing terrorist attacks.

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Two emergency branches focusing on security maintenance and rescue will be set up in the city and emergency response teams formed by volunteers will be set up in all districts.

The city's armed police force held an oath-taking rally on Tuesday to mark the 100-day countdown to the Asian Games.

The rally also introduced the security system for the Games, when new technological equipments including instant stop block system, new type of riot shields and net guns will be utilized.

Fire departments, too, have been checking for hidden troubles to guarantee safety during the Asian Games.

According to the Guangdong fire department, a total of 2,804 problems were discovered and rectified at Games-related venues and sites during a recent fire safety inspection.

The fire department said it will set up command posts in main stadiums and gymnasiums.

By now, 71 of the 98 venues have been through the fire control examination, while 202 sites involved with the Games have been under the control of fire security teams.

The cities of Foshan, Dongguan and Shanwei, which will co-host the upcoming Games, have also launched security maintenance drills and are fully geared up for the event.

Frontier inspection station in Guangzhou also enhanced inspection along the port, announcing on Thursday that all ships entering and leaving the port of Guangzhou will be under video surveillance.

From Oct 1 to Dec 20, all ships are required to apply for permits before they fasten foreign vessels.