China in deep water after chemical leaks

Wen Jiabao in Harbin Saturday
China’s celebrations of its recent historic achievements in space this month have today been overshadowed by a series of industrial and environmental disasters. On the 13th November [according to the Independent – 26/11/05] an explosion at the 101 Chemical Plant created one of China’s worst environmental disasters in recent history. Chinese authorities are being heavily criticized for failing to release information sooner as up to 100 tonnes of benzene poured into the Songhua River. More than 9 million people have had their water supply cut off since Wednesday 23rd November. And whilst authorities attempted to supply bottled water to the residents of Harbin one official defended the holding back on the release of a public announcement. He said that information was ‘timely’ in order to avoid panic and to ensure enough bottled water was available before informing residents. Shi Zhongxin, Harbin’s mayor said, “The water shortage was a challenge to the government’s ability of crisis management. We had no reason to unveil the pollution news at the beginning. The government needed time to handle it. For example we needed time to buy in water”. The impact on the environment is clear and Chinese officials were putting out strong warnings to the public. Zhang Lujin, of the State Environmental Administration, said that fish should not be eaten for at least 2 months. The economic impacts will also be severe and one resident is reported to be attempting to sue the company responsible.
Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, visited the area on Saturday and praised workers attempting to supply fresh water supplies. CCTV9 reported that the Chinese Foreign minister expressed deep regret over the disasters possible impact on Russia and said that China would deal with the incident in a “careful and responsible manner”. He was today meeting with Russian officials. CCTV 9 reported that a “strong effort” was being made to respond to the disaster and CCTV reporter He Yuan said the government was attempting to restore supplies by late Sunday.
But as one disaster was being dealt with there were futher reports of another industrial accident in southern China. An explosion at a chemical plant in Dianjiang in Chongqing was reported to have killed at least one person and injured at least 3 others. More than 6,000 were evacuated. And in Hebei in northern China18 miners remain trapped in a flooded mine. It is the latest in a series on coal mine accidents in the country this year.
At 00:50 GMT Saturday a 5.7 earthquake hit the south-eastern region of China. Fourteen people have been reported killed in the quake which hit near the towns of Ruichang and Jujiang in Jiangxi province. At least a dozen after shocks were reported. It was the first earthquake in the area for over 96 years.
And although of little help to resident of Jiangxi, today saw the beginning of construction of a Disaster Readiness Training Centre, west of Beijing. The $25 Million centre will provide earthquake training and disaster relief training when completed in 2007. $60 million has been spent on the Shenzhou 6 space exploration programme, money that many residents of disaster hit regions may feel could have been used differently, besides benefits provided by space technology.
[18:49 GMT 26/11/2005]