Current News of India: Gas leak occurred amidst preparations to start factory, now situation under control

Current News of India 

Chemical gas leaks into LG polymer industry in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.  Eight people died while more than 800 are hospitalized in this incident in RR Venkatapuram village on Thursday morning.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an emergency meeting of NDMA regarding the incident.  Union Home Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are also present in the meeting.  Currently, the leakage of gas has been controlled.

Andhra Pradesh Minister MG Reddy said that the lockdown process was started immediately after the gas leak was reported in the factory.  Local administration was immediately informed.  The gas was immediately neutralized into a harmless liquid form.  But some of the gas got out of the factory premises and reached nearby areas, which affected people.  He informed that criminal action will be taken against the company.

 12:19 PM, 07-MAY-2020

 Gas leakage occurred amidst preparations to start plastic factory: NDRF

 The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) chief said that during the lockdown, preparations were being made to resume work at a closed plastic factory in Visakhapatnam when a gas leak occurred.  NDRF Director General SN Pradhan said that it is styrene gas that affects the central nervous system, throat, skin, eyes and some other parts of the body.

 11:53 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 President Ramnath Kovind expressed grief

 President Ramnath Kovind said that I am saddened by the news of the gas leak near Visakhapatnam.  My condolences to the families of the victims.  I pray for the recovery of the injured and for the safety of all.

 11:48 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 BJP president JP Nadda expressed grief

 BJP president JP Nadda said it was deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy.  My deepest condolences to the families of the dead, I pray for the well being of all.  I request the party workers to provide all possible relief in coordination with the administration, following the health protocol.

 11:45 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 Shocked by gas leak incident: Chandrababu Naidu

 TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said he was in awe of the gas leak incident in Visakhapatnam.  He appealed to the people of the city to take necessary precautions.  Naidu tweeted that leaders and workers should be ready to help people in times of crisis.

 11:39 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 The municipal corporation asked people to stay indoors and apply wet masks

 The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has asked people around the chemical plant to stay indoors and use wet cloth to cover their mouths and noses.

 The corporation said in a tweet that people living around the company are urged not to move out of their homes as a safety precaution.  The corporation said, please use wet cloth as a mask to cover your nose and mouth.

 11:20 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 More than 800 people hospitalized

 NDRF Director General SN Pradhan said that local people reported irritation to the throat and skin, then the police and administration swung into action.  About 1000–1500 people have been evacuated, of which more than 800 have been taken to the hospital.

 11:12 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 Rahul Gandhi appealed to the workers to help the affected people

 Expressing grief over the gas leak incident, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi called upon local party leaders and workers to help the affected people in every possible way.

 He tweeted, 'I am shocked to hear about the gas leak in Vizag (Andhra Pradesh).  I urge the Congress leaders and workers of the area to extend all possible help to the affected people.  My condolences to the families of the victims.  I pray for the hospitalized people to get well soon. '

 11:08 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 Emergency meeting of PM Modi starts

 An emergency meeting of PM Modi has started on the gas leak incident.  Union Home Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are also present in the meeting.

 11:01 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 PM Modi called emergency meeting

 The NDMA meeting has been called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 11 am on the incident in Visakhapatnam.  The Prime Minister's Office gave this information.  At the same time, PM Modi said that he has spoken to the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regarding the incident, the matter is being closely monitored.  I pray for the safety and well-being of all in Visakhapatnam.

 10:59 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 Gas leak incident disturbing: Amit Shah

 Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the gas leak incident in Vizag is disturbing, we are monitoring the incident continuously and closely.  I pray for the well being of the people of Visakhapatnam.

 10:59 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 Seven people died so far

 The DGP of Andhra Pradesh said that seven people have died so far.  One person died due to falling into a well while trying to escape.  The gas leak incident occurred around 3:30 this morning.  The rescue operation is still going on.  The plant was closed due to lockdown.

 10:59 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kishan Reddy expressed sorrow

 Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said that my condolences to the families of those who died in the gas leak.  I have spoken to the Chief Secretary of the state and the DGP to take stock of the situation.

 He further said that the NDRF teams were instructed to provide necessary relief measures.  The situation is being constantly monitored.  Hundreds of people have been affected in the unprecedented and unfortunate incident.  Has spoken to the Home Secretary and the GOI and requested them to provide necessary assistance.

 10:58 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 120 people hospitalized

 CP RK Meena of Visakhapatnam said that the gas has been neutralized.  The NDRF team has reached the spot.  The maximum impact was up to about one and a half km but its smell was about two and a half km.  100 to 120 people have been admitted to the hospital.  A total of three people have died in the incident.  An FIR has been registered.

 10:58 AM, 07-MAY-2020

 Gas leak occurred amidst preparations to start factory, PM's emergency meeting continues

 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has inquired about the gas leak incident and directed the district authorities to take all possible steps to save lives and bring the situation under control.

 The Chief Minister's Office said that the CM has left for the hospital to meet the sick.  The Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation and has directed the officials to take immediate steps and provide all assistance.