An efficient emergency system will be built in the Yangtze River Delta region to enhance the ability in coping with disasters, officials said at a press conference yesterday.

Ahead of today’s International Day of Disaster Reduction, MaJianhong, director of the Shanghai Emergency Management Office, stressed the importance of joint efforts within the region in the face of natural disasters and accidents.

“The integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region cannot be realized without a cooperative, high-quality emergency control system, which requires us to explore the mechanism and measures with innovation.”

Last year, the emergency management offices of Shanghai and Zhejiang, JiangsuandAnhuiprovinces sealed an agreement on the coordinated development of disaster control. Special teams were set up in May to carry out specific plans and key measures.

Projects have been implemented this year that include the building of a detection and control base of hazardous chemicals in Shanghai andJiangsu, as well as an emergency air rescue system inZhejiangandAnhui.

Systems in terms of monitoring, communications and rescue command will be further developed for emergencies including floods, forest fires, traffic and mining accidents.

Shanghai’s QingpuDistrict,WujiangDistrict inJiangsuandthe city of JiaxinginZhejiangconducted a safety drill last month to prepare for the third China International Import Expo, which will be held next month.

Ma said that the first Yangtze River Delta International Emergency Disaster Reduction and Rescue Expo will be hosted in Shanghai from May 7 to 9 next year.

The expo, organized by emergency management offices within the region, aims to improve the management system, material supplies and raise public awareness.

It will focus on safeguarding social and economic development through disaster prevention and reduction, combining online and offline exhibitions of safety facilities, and industrial services as well as interactive activities.