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China tackles river diesel spill China tackles river diesel spill
(about 12 hours later)
Hundreds of workers in northern China are trying to contain a pipeline leak that has spilled diesel fuel into a major tributary of the Yellow River.Hundreds of workers in northern China are trying to contain a pipeline leak that has spilled diesel fuel into a major tributary of the Yellow River.
About 150,000 litres of diesel poured into the Wei river in Shaanxi province after a construction accident on Wednesday, state media reported.About 150,000 litres of diesel poured into the Wei river in Shaanxi province after a construction accident on Wednesday, state media reported.
Pollution has been reported up to 33km (21 miles) downstream. Locals have been warned not to use water from the river.Pollution has been reported up to 33km (21 miles) downstream. Locals have been warned not to use water from the river.
The Yellow River is a source of drinking water for millions of people.The Yellow River is a source of drinking water for millions of people.
In 2005, a chemical spill in the Songhua river in the north-eastern province of Heilongjiang cut off water supplies to 4 million residents.In 2005, a chemical spill in the Songhua river in the north-eastern province of Heilongjiang cut off water supplies to 4 million residents.
Floating damsFloating dams
The BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Beijing says that although the accident in Shaanxi happened on Wednesday, it has only just come to light.The BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Beijing says that although the accident in Shaanxi happened on Wednesday, it has only just come to light.
Local officials have in the past attempted to cover up such incidents, fearing reprisals from the central government, our correspondent says.Local officials have in the past attempted to cover up such incidents, fearing reprisals from the central government, our correspondent says.
The leak occurred on the fuel pipeline operated by the state-run China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) that connects Lanzhou in the north-west province of Gansu with Zhengzhou in central Henan province, according to the China Daily newspaper.The leak occurred on the fuel pipeline operated by the state-run China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) that connects Lanzhou in the north-west province of Gansu with Zhengzhou in central Henan province, according to the China Daily newspaper.
The diesel first went into the Chishui river, a tributary of the Wei.The diesel first went into the Chishui river, a tributary of the Wei.
Around 700 emergency workers are said to be labouring round the clock, using floating dams and solidifying agents to contain the spill.Around 700 emergency workers are said to be labouring round the clock, using floating dams and solidifying agents to contain the spill.
Their task has been helped by the current cold weather in the region.Their task has been helped by the current cold weather in the region.
The Chinese Vice-Premier, Li Keqiang, has told the local government to prevent the slick from reaching the Yellow River.The Chinese Vice-Premier, Li Keqiang, has told the local government to prevent the slick from reaching the Yellow River.