Vizag(Visakhapatnam) Gas Leak

TOXIC gas leak At India

By Patwal

Gas leak Source

Due to massive gas leak at a chemical plant in southern India, at least 13 people have been killed with 800 others taken to hospital. The source of the leak was a Styrene plant owned by South Korean  LG Polymers company was located in the outskirts of the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh state.The city and surrounding area were home to around five million people. The Gas spread over a radius of about three kilometers (Covering around five villages) near Visakhapatnam and Thousands of people evacuated from the nearby villages. Doctors say patients have been complaining of a burning sensation in the eyes and difficulties breathing.

Caused of Leak

This is unclear at that time what led to the leak but the Statement from LG Polymers said that stagnation and changes in temperature inside the storage tank could have resulted in auto polymerization and could have caused vaporization. An official said “We are investigating the incident. Right now there is no leak as it has been contained. We will observe the facility for another four hours and give an all clear after a thorough inspection,’’

What is Styrene?

Styrene gas is used to make insulation, pipes, automobile parts, food container, packaging material and luggage, shoes, toys, floor waxes.

The Styrene gas direct affects the Central nervous system, throat, skin, eyes and some other parts of the body. The gas can cause nausea and dizziness when inhaled. Styrene is highly flammable and releases a poisonous gas when burnt.

Government Reaction

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi  tweet today that he had spoken with officials regarding Thursday's leak, and was monitoring the situation.

"I pray for everyone's safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam," he tweeted.

"Right now we are not taking any action but certainly the burden of proof lies with them (LG) -- to come forward and say what they have done," said Andhra Pradesh CM. "We need to understand to what extent was this negligence or what it was. It will all come subsequently once we start ascertaining the situation on the ground."

The compensation of ₹ 1 Lakh Rupee per family will be given to those who have lost a loved one said by State Government.

Think!

During Covid-19 pandemic a Styrene gas tragedy raised a big question on Indian safety standards. And all international media is covering this news very deeply. Recently 100 US firms plan to exit China and invest in Uttar Pradesh. But by this news may be some company change their plan of shifting from China to India.

This gas leak also reminds of 1984 Bhopal tragedy.

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