Chlorine Leak Causes Thousands to Flee Leshan City

Leshan is one of the hardest-hit cities in Sichuan Province as floods wreaked havoc for weeks. Then, a chemical accident occurred on Aug. 20. Thick smoke surrounded the chemical plant, emitting a strong odor. Residents suspect it was a chlorine leak. Local authorities confirmed that there was an accident, but emphasized that “the leak is now under control and there was no explosion.” Thousands of residents poured out of the city, by car or motorcycle, filling the streets and causing serious traffic jams.