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The Qing Dao Explosion, 30 Days Later: Pollution Becoming Evident

| Dec 22, 2013 09:38 PM EST

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In Shan Dong, China, 30 days after the Qing Dao 11-22 Dong Huang petroleum gas line explosion, the lives of the residents in the affected economic development zone have begun to return to normal.

The students at the Qing Dao #2 Junior High School have begun classes at a new school and their school is nearly repaired. Three streets affected by the enormous explosion are currently under repair (Liu Gong Road, Dan Shan Dao Street, Zhai Tang Street). Qing Huang Dao Road has already been repaired and, while traffic is limited, is accessible to pedestrians and vehicles.

Despite the swift recovery, the oil leak has become more evident on beach shores. Crabs, fish, shrimp, and clams from local hatcheries are being washed up in droves onto the shore. The environment will need more time to return to normal, and the cost to this point remains unknown.

Qingdao is one of the biggest crude oil ports in China. Oil giant Sinopec's petrochemical complex and major refinery is responsible for the deaths of 62 Chinese citizens in addition to the injuries incurred to 136 hospitalized individuals.

Witnesses of the explosion testify that the damage caused was that akin to what is seen "in a disaster movie." Reports of the incident deeply affected many Chinese citizens.

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