Visakhapatnam has escaped narrowly from becoming Bhopal. A major accident occurred due to a sudden styrene gas leakage at a plant in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. So far 11 people have been confirmed dead. Those who died include an 8-year-old girl. In addition, more than 5000 people have become ill and have been taken to hospital. These people complained of trouble breathing and eye irritation. It is reported that the chemical factory used to have work related to polymers. In such a situation, there is a possibility of gas being poisonous.
According to the people present on the spot, suddenly around three o’clock in the night, people started experiencing trouble in breathing, terrible itching and burning sensation in the eyes. They ran out of their homes in panic, but that time the air had become poisonous. People were seen lying unconscious in several places around the plant. Dead animals were also seen on the roadside. The terrified people ran towards the hospitals carrying their children. It is noticeable that the patients admitted include a large number of children.
It is difficult to estimate the damage caused by the gas leak tragedy in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. According to the reports that are coming from the scene, people have to evacuate from many houses. Teams engaged in relief and rescue work are trying to take people to safe places.
People of the area have been removed from the area within 3 km radius of the chemical unit. About 8 thousand people have had to vacate their house. All other arrangements have been made for them including food. It may be necessary to evacuate even more areas. The entire scene was so frightening that the memories of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy were renewed. The same fear, the same disgrace is being seen.
To aid the people hit by the tragedy, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced a grant of Rs 1 crore to the families of those killed in the incident. 10 lakh rupees will be given to all those who are being treated on ventilator due to the gas scandal. Also, other people who have been admitted to the hospital but are not on ventilator will be given Rs 1 lakh each. Whereas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed concern over the incident. At present, the leakage of gas has been controlled. It is believed that the accident was caused by a technical issue in the refrigerator unit.
