The White House has declared a state of emergency in Puerto Rico, following Friday’s massive oil explosion and fire at the Caribbean Petroleum Corporation storage facility outside San Juan. Approximately 1,500 people have been evacuated because of the disaster and toxic smoke is blowing into residential areas. Puerto Rico's Governor Fortuno said that the blaze has already cost Puerto Rico at least $6.4 million.
The blaze at the Caribbean Petroleum Corporation facility near San Juan, started shortly after midnight Friday. The initial explosion shook the ground with the force of a 2.8-magnitude earthquake. The explosion was so strong that it tore up a nearby highway, and shattered windows on nearby homes.
All residents who live near the site were urged to move elsewhere until the fire and smoke are brought under control. Especially at risk are those with respiratory problems.
According to a report on MSNBC, a state epidemiologist stated that “the smoke is extremely toxic ... an asthmatic patient will definitely hyper-react to this.” There are also invisible gases such as carbon monoxide and sulfur that can cause respiratory problems.
The Caribbean Petroleum Corporation had previously been sited with violating the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and was operating under a corrective action plan. The Act is the major U.S. law dealing with the disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.
The declaration from The White House to make Puerto Rico an emergency zone now makes federal aid flow to the area affected the massive fire. Puerto Rico will receive 3.6 million gallons of regular gasoline, more than 1 million gallons of premium gasoline and more than 1 million gallons of diesel fuel to help make up for what may have been lost.
Cheryl Phillips
Ecxlusive to HULIQ.com
sources: CNN, MSNBC
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