A week of events including training and emergency drills are being held citywide at residential communities, schools and work units ahead of China’s Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day on May 12, civil affairs authorities said today.

A cartoon character designed to raise awareness of disaster prevention and mitigation was unveiled by Shanghai vice mayor Peng Chenlei this morning during an event on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall.

Between May 7 and 13, more than 40 related events including training on disaster prevention and relief, education, quizzes and drills will be conducted.