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Let\’s Visit Asia

Benzene Leak in Harbin, China

by Ruth on November 23rd, 2005

Picked this up from the BBC News:

Chinese authorities have revealed that major pollution of a river has forced the suspension of water supplies to Harbin, a northern city of 3.4m people.

“Benzene levels were 108 times above national safety levels,” said China’s Environment Protection Administration.

This is an aftermath of an explosion at a petrochemical plant in Jilin city last week, about 380km (230 miles) up the Songhua river from Harbin. High levels of benzene has already been detected upstream of harbin, and is anticipated to reach banks along Harbin itself late Wednesday. Russia is also on alert, as the Songhua river also feed a river that direction.

Currently, flights out of Harbin are sold out, schools and some government offices are closed and there has been massive panic buying for food and water in the area.

If you know someone in the area or have more information, please leave a comment at the BBC site.

POSTED IN: General : Asia Travel

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