Shenzhen acted swiftly to provide relief supplies to Hong Kong after the deadly fire in Tai Po broke out, including much-needed rescue equipment and medical supplies, and quickly established green channels for round-the-clock customs clearance of those supplies to ensure their smooth transportation, according to the Shenzhen Emergency Management Bureau.

The fire broke out Wang Fuk Court on Nov 26, and on Nov 27, 10 drones and 20 exoskeleton assistive robots were deployed as the first batch of aid from Shenzhen to the scene, which assisted the Hong Kong Fire Services Department in conducting site inspections and emergency dispatch operations.

Three days later, 50 blast-proof panoramic mobile lighting systems, 161 illuminated signaling wands, 200 multifunctional pocket signal lights, and 247 multifunctional high-intensity work lights were also delivered to Hong Kong.

As of Nov 30, Shenzhen had also facilitated the delivery of relief goods provided by government departments in Guangdong province, including 2,300 pairs of fire-resistant boots, 200 sets of exoskeleton equipment, 300 high-intensity explosion-proof flashlights and 10 tents.

From Nov 26 to Dec 1, 120 fully equipped firefighters from Shenzhen were stationed at the Liantang checkpoint, prepared to support the Hong Kong government if needed.

In addition to establishing dedicated emergency rescue channels, the Huanggang exit and entry frontier inspection station and Shenzhen Customs also launched various facilitation measures to expedite the clearance of relief supplies.

From Nov 27 to Dec 3, Shenzhen Customs successfully ensured the rapid clearance of over 129,000 emergency rescue items to support Hong Kong.

This year, the Huanggang inspection station has provided medical emergency assistance to 118 cross-border travelers.