A super underground bunker which can accommodate 200,000 people has been finished in Shanghai. It's designed as a shelter in the event of emergencies like explosions, poisonous gas emissions and nuclear radiation, according to local reports.

The bunker covers an area of more than 90,000 square meters. It has 15 passages nearly 4,000 meters in length which link the underground facilities with buildings above ground including office blocks and living quarters, Shanghai-based Morning Post reported on Saturday.

If an entry or exit is blocked, those sheltering in the bunker have a variety of routes by which they can get in and out. In addition the facility is connected by subways which would allow people to leave one district in Shanghai and go to another, the report said.  

Those sheltering in the bunker could avoid harm brought by incidents on the ground such as explosive blasts, poisonous gas emissions and nuclear radiation, the report quoted an official of the Civil Defense Office as saying.

Water, power and ventilation systems in the bunker are capable of supporting people for seven to 15 days in safety, the official said. When not in use, some parts of the bunker could be used as garages, warehouses or commercial facilities, added the official. 

Shanghai, the economic hub and financial center of China, has a population of about 17.78 million and a city area of approximately 5,155 square kilometers.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2006)