This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Ammonia Leak Detected From Barge In Kochi, Nearby Residents Evacuated

Ammonia Leak Detected From Barge In Kochi, Nearby Residents Evacuated
A ferry travels past the Kochi International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), operated by DP World Ltd., in Cochin, India, on Friday, May 29, 2015. India is gearing up for a deficient monsoon for a second year, signaling record food imports, efforts to cushion farmers and contingencies for lower hydroelectricity. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bloomberg via Getty Images
A ferry travels past the Kochi International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), operated by DP World Ltd., in Cochin, India, on Friday, May 29, 2015. India is gearing up for a deficient monsoon for a second year, signaling record food imports, efforts to cushion farmers and contingencies for lower hydroelectricity. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Authorities in Kochi are trying to plug the leakage of ammonia gas from a barge that was headed for the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) factory in Eloor.

The leakage was brought to the notice of authorities on Friday evening after residents of Thaikkudam near Vyttilla complained of nausea and irritation in the eyes, according a report in manoramaonline.

Following this, families living within two kilometre radius from the leakage spot were evacuated while those who were highly nauseated were rushed to hospitals and are recovering.

To avoid any ill-effects of the gas, which is not poisonous, the authorities have advised people living within the radius of five kilometres to exercise precaution. They instructed people in the nearby areas to cover their mouth and nose with wet clothes.

The barge was reportedly sailing from Willingdon Island to the FACT factory through the canal when the accident occurred.

Contact HuffPost India

Also See On HuffPost:

India Bollywood Star Trial

Salman Khan's Court Appearances Over The Years

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.