A major environmental clear-up was underway in China today after an explosion at an oil installation. Sinopec, China’s main oil company apologized for the pollution and Chinese officials have said a massive operation was in full swing to clear the nitro-benzine from the river and to restore water supplies to the affected region. CCTV9 said that 16 tonnes of bottled water were being transported to the town of Harbin, in Heilongjiang province, which was most affected. At least 80 km of the Songhua river was said to be polluted with the chemical which was measured at 5 times normal levels. CNN reported that 70% of China’s rivers suffered from pollution but CCTV9 claimed that “although the leak was a disaster”, it was a “chance for the people of the region to have confidence in the Chinese government’s clear up plan”. Russia was less than happy after Khabarovsk was affected by the spillage. Russian authorities told CNN that “no adequate information” was forthcoming from China. CCTV9 however reported that China was concerned for the effects on its neighbour and that Russia was being kept informed at every development, adding that Russia was pleased with the information supplied. Ten hotels were on standby to deal with any casualties resulting from the poisoned water supply and authorities were deploying soldiers to help deal with operations. One official said that the pollution should have flowed into the sea in the next 40 hours and the water would soon be safe to drink. “I will drink the first mouthful of water myself” said Zhang Zuogi, a government official.
[19:46 GMT 24/11/2005]
No comments:
Post a Comment