With a gas leak at a chemical plant in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Thursday, 7 May, leaving at least eleven people dead and more than 200 hospitalised, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to officials of the Home Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority regarding the situation, which he said is being monitored closely.
"I pray for everyone's safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam," he tweeted.
The PM also spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured all help and support, his office said.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah also said that the situation is being closely and continuously monitored.
Expressing shock over the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged party workers and leaders in the area “to provide all necessary support and assistance to those affected”.
Former AP CM Naidu Writes to Piyush Goyal
Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu also wrote to Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.
"I request you to send medical experts from India and Globally to treat the victims of Styrene Gas. Further, COVID-19 infects the lungs and reduces the immunity of a person. Hence, it is essential that the medical aid should be two pronged keeping in mind Styrene Gas and COVID-19," he wrote.
Meanwhile, AP chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy announced “ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore each to be given to the families of the deceased in the Vizag gas leakage incident. Ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs to be given to those on ventilator.” He also visited those hospitalised at King George hospital in Visakhapatnam.
Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan ordered officials to take up the rescue operations on a war footing and suggested availing the services of Red Cross volunteers in the evacuation. He also ordered the Visakhapatnam Red Cross unit to constitute medical camps, his office said.
The leakage took place at the LG Polymers industry in Visakhapatnam's RR Venkatapuram in the wee hours of Thursday. Over 1,000 are reported to have fallen sick.
People were taken to the hospital after they complained of feeling dizzy, a burning sensation in the eyes, and breathing difficulties. Policemen posted in the area have also been affected.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)