OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Heavily polluted river water has reached the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin. The Songhua River is contaminated with the carcinogenic chemical benzene following an explosion at a petrochemical plant on 13 November.

The authorities have shut off the city's water supply after allowing residents to stock up on drinking water. Local shops are completely sold out of their supply of bottled water, and many people are trying to leave the area.

The explosion occurred at a chemical factory some 400 kilometres upstream from Harbin. The polluted water had already passed several cities before the authorities admitted an industrial accident had occurred.

Russia has asked China for more details, since the river passes into Russian territory several hundred kilometres downstream.

SOURCE: Radio Netherlands Wereldomroep