Chemical leak and earthquake in China

(Vatican Radio) At least fifteen people are dead and two dozen injured after a chemical leak in China. Meanwhile, an earthquake has struck, claiming several more lives.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn's report:

"Liquid ammonia spilled from a cold-storage plant in Shanghai, China's state news agency said, quoting local officials. The accident took place mid-morning local time at a refrigeration facility owned by a seafood company, in Shanghai's Baoshan neighbourhood. Pictures showed rescuers wearing chemical protection suits, while police cordoned off the area.

Authorities are investigating how the accident happened. In addition to the death toll, several of the injured are said to be in serious condition. But, the officials said, a local environmental monitoring station is showing no contamination beyond the plant site.

Meanwhile, several more people have died after an earthquake struck southwestern China on Saturday. The local government in Yunnan province said the quake destroyed about 600 homes, leaving 55,000 others damaged.

On Wednesday, a smaller quake hit the same area. Authorities said they're sending tents, clothes, and folding beds to affected districts. But rescue operations are said to be hampered because landslides have blocked some roads and phone lines are down."