Tianjin Death Toll Reaches 104: Government of China and Rampant Capitalism
Shuchun Zhang and Kanako Itamae
Modern Tokyo Times
The giant explosions that ripped through the port of Tianjin in China continue to take more lives. Currently, the death toll is 104 people but this total looks likely to increase. At the same time, genuine fears exist over toxic contamination. Therefore, the government of China needs to reassure the population that safety mechanisms will be dramatically tightened.
According to various news channels in China, the police are now evacuating a vast area because sodium cyanide was found. It is futile to speculate about the threat and size of sodium cyanide on the site hit by deadly blasts. However, it is clearly essential to evacuate individuals that may be threatened by possible toxic substances.
The BBC reports “The Chinese authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents within a 3km radius of the Tianjin blast site over fears of chemical contamination.”
Unlike local authorities, Chinese firefighters have sacrificed themselves at horrendous costs. Sadly, 21 brave firefighters have perished and this number could increase given the dangers that still persist. Yet without their amazing bravery then so many others would have perished.
Xinhua news agency reports: “Out of consideration for toxic substances spreading, the masses nearby have been asked to evacuate.”
Alarmingly, for local residents, regional authorities appear not to be in full knowledge about the quantity of substances being held at the devastated site. On top of this, a lack of unity between the people and authorities is clearly visible.
AFP (France 24) reports “Furious residents and victims’ relatives railed against officials outside a news conference for keeping them in the dark as criticism over a lack of transparency mounted.”
Lee Jay Walker at Modern Tokyo Times says: “Despite China allegedly being communist, it is clear that rampant capitalism, cronyism and corruption are eating away at the political system. Indeed, the safety record involving industry is abysmal in China because profits override the rights of workers. This social reality will come back to haunt the ruling party if rampant capitalism, corruption and cronyism aren’t tackled singularly.”
http://www.france24.com/en/20150815-residents-evacuated-death-toll-rises-tianjin-blasts-china
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-33945293
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