Shenzhen's 12 million residents will get firsthand information about any latest emergencies and public crises through television, radio, Web sites and newspapers, the mayor promised at a citywide conference yesterday.

Xu Zongheng said the move is essential if any natural disasters or disease outbreaks occur.

"It will help people save themselves through effective evacuation and help them rescue others," he said.

The mayor said government officials who refuse to release up-to-date information to the media are "inhibiting rescue efforts."

Administrators are required to report any public crises to the municipal government within 30 minutes by telephone, and submit a written report no later than an hour. Government spokespeople should then provide press releases and updated information to the media and public.

Emergency authorities are required to arrive on the scene no later than half an hour after an accident happens, and provide detailed reports once the case is closed.

An early warning system will be launched for any possible crises later this year, and further instructions and emergency shelters will be provided for the public, Xu said. Victims must be rescued and aided within 12 hours.

A government report released at the meeting says Shenzhen, with its high density of population, is susceptible to public health emergencies, such as food poisoning and bird flu. According to the municipal health bureau, there were some 61 public health cases last year, including the city's first human bird flu case and 39 cases of food poisoning, compared to 43 reported incidents in 2005.

Editor: Yan