PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The looting in the Cornubia area led to multiple fires being set, including a warehouse storing plant protection products that was set on fire on Monday, 12^th July 2021. The repeated attacks, as well as the unrest which prevented a rapid response, resulted in the brand new facility’s security and state-of-the-art safety features being overwhelmed.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 The looting in the Cornubia area led to multiple fires being set, including a warehouse storing plant protection products that was set on fire on Monday, 12^th July 2021. The repeated attacks, as well as the unrest which prevented a rapid response, resulted in the brand new facility’s security and state-of-the-art safety features being overwhelmed.

 Access to the site was initially hampered by continuing unrest, delaying the response by the fire department and other support services, and the intensity of the fire necessitated the use of large volumes of water.

 Despite the safety features and the measures taken, the resulting fire caused a large plume of smoke to be released into the atmosphere as well as causing water to overrun catchment devices.

 While the number of fires in the vicinity makes it difficult to accurately assess the nature of possible air pollution, experts have advised that, as a precautionary measure, people should remain inside if they’re in the area of a smoke cloud. People are also advised to cover their eyes and nose by wearing an ordinary mask and glasses over their eyes.

 An industrial cleaning service provider has been on site since it became possible to gain access on Tuesday, doing everything possible to contain the overflow water and a second company has been appointed to assist with the clean up.

 Environmental specialists are taking samples from the Ohlanga river and uMhlanga lagoon to determine if there has been any contamination, and these will be processed as soon as it is possible to transport the samples to laboratories.

 It is not known at this stage what proportion of any pollution may be from the warehouse or other sources, but UPL are doing everything they can in the extremely difficult circumstances to protect people and the environment, regardless of the source.

 All relevant authorities have been notified of the situation and communities in the vicinity have been advised through various communication channels to avoid contact with the affected water sources.

 Members of the public should contact the eThekwini Disaster Management Team on

031 361 0000 or seek medical attention if they have concerns.

 ENDS