Vizag gas leak: AP govt sets up helpline for distressed families

VVisakhapatnam: A helpline is being set up for the people affected by the chemical gas leak tragedy in Visakhapatnam, said Andhra Pradesh Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Information Technology Mekapati Gautam Reddy.

Tragedy struck Vizag city on Thursday when eleven people were killed including two children and over 1,200 others fell sick after (styrene) gas leaked from the LG Polymers plant at the Gopalapatnam area.

As per reports, the leakage started around 2.30 am from LG Polymers plant at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota in Vizag city.Due to the gas leak (Styrene Monomer) , people living in over 4-kilometer radius suffered from vomiting and breathing problems. Panic gripped the area as people ran out of their houses for safety. During the process, over 1,000 people fell unconscious on the road.

In a wake of this the AP government has set up a helpline. “In an ongoing effort to assist the rescue operations, a helpdesk is being set up at the office of Department of Industries in Vizag for the people of the surrounding villages including Narava, RR Puram, Tailors Colony, Narava, BC Colony, Bapujinagar, Kamparapalem, Krishnanagar, etc. Contact Details for the helpline: S.Prasada Rao, DD-7997952301, 8919239341, R. Brahma, IPO-9701197069,” he said.

The Minister noted that a dedicated team will provide all the required assistance. He also requested the locals not to panic and cooperate with the rescuers. He directed the district authorities to take immediate steps to prevent the loss of life.

The minister said that they are in regular touch with the Vizag district collectorate and the management of LG Polymers. The minister also informed that it is not an LPG leak and the situation is currently under control. He stated that the government will support the affected families.