China gears up for solar eclipse observation

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities are bracing for the longest total solar eclipse of the century with emergency measures for possible inconveniences triggered by the phenomenon.

Graphics shows the solar eclipse lasting for over six minutes on  July 22, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences Purple Mountain Observatory.(Xinhua/Meng Lijing)

In response to the call of the State Council, the cabinet, to prepare for any inconveniences to people caused by the total solar eclipse, tourism department has advised tourists to avoid stampedes during observation.

The total solar eclipse is to occur on Wednesday morning. About 300 million people along the Yangtze River will have the chance to view the event. People in regions beyond the river valley, including Beijing, can observe a partial eclipse.

The eclipse, which lasts as long as six minutes and 43 seconds, will not be surpassed in duration until June 13, 2132.

As the daytime darkness for a few minutes may cause inconvenience for traffic and work in the open air, governments in many cities have ordered local traffic departments to turn on roadlights and send additional police force to prevent traffic jams in the rush hour on Wednesday morning.

All the police in Shanghai will be on duty to deal with heavy traffic, said the municipal public security bureau.