New Delhi, May 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said he had spoken to the National Disaster Management officials and other authorities and the ministry is closely monitoring the situation in Visakhapatnam.

"The incident in Vizag is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam," Shah tweeted. Styrene Gas Leak in Vizag: What Is Styrene? What Is Its Effect on Human Health? Know All About This Poisonous Gas.

At least seven persons, including a minor, were reported dead in an alleged gas leak in a chemical unit in the early hours of Thursday.

Panic struck in surrounding areas following the suspected gas leak in the chemical factory in the R.R. Venkatapuram village in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam. People were seen running helter-skelter. Vizag Gas Leak: 7 Dead in Styrene Gas Leakage at LG Polymers Industry, PM Narendra Modi Holds Meeting With NDMA.

More than a 1,000 people in five surrounding villages, in a three km radius, have been reported sick.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 07, 2020 11:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).