On Wednesday night August 12th a massive explosion occurred in the northern China. At least 50 deaths have been confirmed and 701 people were admitted to the hospital with injuries. 71 of those injuries were said to be “severe”.
The incident occured when a fire at warehouse containing “dangerous chemicals” sparked a series of blasts. The explosion was so big that it could be seen from the international space station.
Beijing has deployed every resource available to help survivors. The government has also warned the public that some of the substances handled near the site of the blast are toxic and explosive.
Four vehicles carrying more than 200 soldiers trained to deal with nuclear, biological and chemical catastrophes were dispatched to Tianjin, which is around 100 miles from Beijing.
Thousands of people will not be able to return to their homes due to the blast.The army has helped set up tents to house them on nearby school playgrounds. So far many survivors have spent an anxious night out on the streets.
The country has banded together to help aid those who were affected by this disaster. Around 10,000 medical staff are working at 10 different hospitals to treat survivors. That statistic was provided by Zhang Yong, a local Communist party official. Dozens of volunteers also went to hospitals and the housing camps, bringing food and water. Some volunteers even held up signs offering free rides to survivors.
YouTube
