Hong Kong stages first counterterrorism drill at redeveloped Huanggang crossing

Hong Kong authorities recently conducted a counterterrorism drill at the newly revamped Huanggang border crossing, involving around 5,000 civil servants in a variety of simulated scenarios. The drill, held on Saturday, marked the first of its kind at the redeveloped checkpoint building, with the goal of testing authorities' management of passenger and vehicular traffic, as well as emergency response capabilities.

The Hong Kong government plans to continue conducting drills and tests of varying scales to ensure comprehensive preparation for the port's opening. Security Bureau spokesman emphasized that the exercise aimed to improve detailed arrangements and bolster emergency response measures. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung supervised the drill and held a meeting to review the procedures for future tests.

The drill began with a test of crowd-control management arrangements, followed by another involving the flow of people and vehicles through the border crossing. Authorities also implemented a new "crowd concentrated-flow test," simulating a sudden surge in passenger numbers by having many participants remain on designated floors. This test aimed to evaluate interdepartmental coordination arrangements and the effectiveness of managing passenger and vehicular flows, as well as other supporting measures.

Other tests included a scenario where the Department of Health's quarantine station discovered suspected infection cases, and taxi management was activated with numerous vehicles entering the building. A simulated serious traffic accident on a new connecting road to the building was also tested, requiring police officers to redirect traffic and enable cars to use a southbound route under two-way traffic on one lane to access the border crossing.

The counterterrorism exercise was conducted at the departure hall of the building after the passenger flow test, simulating an attack by extremists carrying firearms and ammunition. The bureau spokesman reported that the drill went smoothly, and the government will finalize an opening date for the revamped checkpoint once both city and Shenzhen authorities confirm the port building is ready for use. Sources previously suggested that the revamped Huanggang crossing could open as early as next month.