- According to initial reports, styrene gas from the plant spread over a radius of about five kilometres, affecting at least five villages.
- Eight persons, including a six-year-old girl, died and scores of others were admitted to the government hospital at Gopalapatnam and the King George Hospital, following the leakage of poisonous gas from the Hindustan Polymers plant at RR Venkatapuram, Gopalapatnam, Visakhapatnam, on Thursday.
- A toll free number 1800 4250 0009 is available for any assistance with regard to this.
- The gas leak occurred at the LG Polymers Plant between 2.30 a.m. and 3 a.m. and reportedly spread over a radius of about three km, affecting at least five villages, including R.R. Venkatapuram, Padmapuram, B.C. Colony and Kamparapalem.
Jagan announces Rs. 1 crore relief
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy announced an ex- gratia payment of Rs one crore each to the kin of those killed in the styrene gas leak incident.
- Mr. Reddy also announced Rs 10 lakh each to those undergoing treatment on ventilator support and Rs 25,000 to those who took treatment as out-patients after developing health complications due to inhalation of the styrene vapour.
- The 15,000-odd population in the five villages that were affected by the gas leak would be paid Rs 10,000 each, the chief minister added.
- The chief minister announced a committee to probe into the mishap and also said the government would talk to the LG Polymers management seeking job for the kin of the deceased in any of its businesses.
- The National Disaster Response Force that was part of the relief and rescue operation said 11 people died in the gas leak incident. The State government maintained the death toll as eight.
- As of now 11 people have lost their lives due to the gas leak, Director General of NDRF S.N. Pradhan said in New Delhi.
- Member of the National Disaster Management Authority Kamal Kishore said that about 1,000 people living in nearby areas of the factory have been exposed to the gas leak.
NEW DELHI :Styrene harmful, but not fatal: AIIMS doctor
- Styrene can cause harm to humans by ingestion and inhalation. Irritation in throat, can lead to breathing difficulty, wheezing and respirator distress. It affects the brain, leading to headache, nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, problems in walking, in high exposure can lead to coma and irregular heart beat. Effect on skin is mild, can also affect eyes, says Dr. Randeep Guleria, AIIMS.
- There is no specific antidote, no treatment to reserve, it is mostly supportive, says Dr. Guleria.
- Clothes are to be removed, exposed eyes can be washed with water, tissue and tower to clean the skin, individuals have to be monitored for breathing difficulty, some will have to be put on ventilators. Many will require oxygen facility. Nebulization can also be given. In serious cases steroids have been given. This is a illness that is not universally fatal. Depending on degree of exposure, effect can be higher, he adds.
- NDRF evacuated more than 500 people, including women and children, from the area, says NDRF DG S.N Pradhan.
- The regional NDRF unit was there within half an hour. The teams were in chemical resistant suits, had oxygen cylinder. There were people who were semi conscious, women, children, elders were helped, more than 500 evacuated from the area. NDRF will stay back in the area till the situation is under control, he says.
Specialized team to reach Vizag
- The Central government is mobilizing a specialized CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear materials) team from Pune and they will be flown to the site, says an NDMA official.
- A specialised technical force from the medical perspective is also being mobilised, he added.
- Commandant Anupam Shrivastava and his team of four will be flying from Pune to assist, says NDRF offcial. The situation under control, hardly any leakage there, we will be there till the leakage is completely plugged, he adds.
- Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr P K Mishra, held a high-level review meeting with Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, NDMA, NDRF, Director AIIMS, and medical experts on Visaphapatnam gas leak situation, says a MHA spokesperson.
- Dr Mishra has directed sending of team of experts to Visakhapatnam and also measures for relief, rescue and short term as also long term medical impact.
Gas leak under control, claims firm
- The gas leak at the Visakhapatnam polymers plant is now under control, the units’ South Korean parent firm LG Chem said.
- LG Chem, which operates the plant, said it is cooperating with Indian authorities to help residents and employees.
- “The gas leakage is now under control, but the leaked gas can cause nausea and dizziness, so we are investing every effort to ensure proper treatment is provided swiftly,” LG Chem said in a statement.
- The firm is looking into what caused the leak of styrene monomer gas, which is used for producing plastic.
- “We are investigating the extent of damage and the exact cause of the leak and deaths,” it added in a statement. – PTI
South Korean Ambassador Shin Bong-kil on LG plant leak:
- “I am shocked and saddened by the news of the accident that occurred at the LG Polymers Plant in Gopalpatnam, AP that caused loss of valuable lives and many falling ill.
- “This was a highly unfortunate incident and our deepest condolences go out to those affected by this tragic event. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been taken ill.”
Vice President expresses grief
- Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu condoled the death of people in the Visakhapatnam gas leak incident.
- “Deeply distressed by the loss of lives due to gas leak … My condolences to bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those taken ill,” he said in a tweet.
AP govt launches helpline
- The Andhra Pradesh government appealed to people of Visakhapatnam not to panic and cooperate with authorities working to bring under control the situation following a gas leak from a chemical plant there.
- In a series of tweets, IT and Industries Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy said a helpdesk has been set up at the department of industries’ general manager’s office in Visakhapatnam.
- People can get in touch with Deputy Director S Prasada Rao on his mobile numbers 7997952301 and 891923934, and another officer R Brahma on 9701197069, he said.
TDP demands probe into gas leak incident
- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday demanded a probe into the gas leak incident in Visakhapatnam and asked the Centre to immediately shut down the chemical plant from where styrene vapour leaked.
- In a letter to Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Mr. Naidu also asked the Centre to deploy veterinary experts to treat animals affected by the toxic gas.
- “Further, COVID-19 infects the lungs and reduces the immunity of the person. Hence, it is essential that the medical aid should be two pronged keeping in mind Styrene Gas and COVID-19,” Mr. Naidu said in the letter.
- “It is also essential to immediately close down the LG Polymers Unit and initiate a thorough enquiry into the gas leakage,” he said. – PTI
Telangana CM expresses shock
- Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed shock over the gas leak incident at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
- Describing the incident as very unfortunate, Mr. Rao wished for speedy recovery of those who fell ill due to the gas leak, an official release said here.
President condoles loss of lives in gas leak incident in Vizag
- President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the loss of lives in the gas leak incident in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
- “Saddened by the news of gas leak in a plant near Visakhapatnam which has claimed several lives. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the recovery of the injured and the safety of all,” he tweeted.
- “I am confident that the administration is doing everything possible to bring the situation under control at the earliest,” the President said.
- PM Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in the aftermath of the Visakhapatnam gas leakage mishap and assured all help and support to the state.
- “PM @narendramodi has spoken to Andhra Pradesh CM Shri @ysjagan regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam. He assured all help and support,” Prime Minister’s Office tweeted
- More than 800 people were hospitalised
- About 1000-1500 people have been evacuated. More than 800 people have been taken to hospital, SN Pradhan, DG, NDRF
At least nine people died: Official
- Swarupa Rani, an Assistant Commissioner of Police in Visakhapatnam told Reuters that at least nine people had died and between 300-400 hospitalised. Another 1,500 people had been evacuated, mostly from a neighbouring village.
- Assist those affected, says Rahul Gandhi to Congress workers
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked party workers in the area to assist those affected by the gas leak.
- “I’m shocked to hear about the Vizag Gas Leak. I urge our Congress workers & leaders in the area to provide all necessary support & assistance to those affected. My condolences to the families of those who have perished. I pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery,” he wrote on Twitter.
PM Modi calls emergency meet
- Prime Minister also called for a meeting with NDMA officials. “In the wake of the situation in Visakhapatnam, PM Narendra Nodi has called for a meeting of the NDMA at 11 AM,” tweeted the Prime Minister’s Office.
Closely monitoring the situation in Visakhapatnam: Amit Shah
- The incident in Visakhapatnam is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- People in 5km radius affected, says official
- Minister of State G. Kishan Reddy spoke to Chief Secretary and DGP of Andhra Pradesh and extended all from Centre to deal with the tragedy.
- An NDRF Team has reached the factory where the gas leak took place.
- According to latest update, people living in five kilometre radius have been affected, said an official. This includes policemen posted in the area.
- Considering that the government hospital is up to capacity, Mr. Reddy asked the Chief Secretary to use private hopsitals for treatment.
